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This research paper examines how legal pluralism—the coexistence of statute, custom, and practice—affects women's access to land inheritance in Lesotho, utilizing qualitative data from Maseru and Mafeteng.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the challenges and pitfalls associated with relying on private sector investment to bridge Africa's infrastructure financing deficit. It argues that while private capital is often promoted for its speed and lack of conditionalities, it is significantly more expensive, risk-averse, and less focused on development outcomes than public or multilateral funding. The document recommends that African policymakers strengthen domestic capacity and strategically use public funds for social infrastructure and project preparation to enhance regional agency.

This policy briefing examines how the EU–SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in October 2016, can be leveraged to develop Lesotho's agriculture and agro-processing sectors. While the EPA provides tariff preferences and an EUR 6 million development envelope, Lesotho struggles with low production volumes and stringent EU standards. The author recommends that Lesotho integrate into South African value chains as a stepping stone to the EU market and improve coordination between government and donor programs.

This policy brief, published by the Stockholm Environment Institute in 2016, evaluates the performance of Lesotho's water management system and explores adaptation strategies to address water insecurity caused by climate change and urbanization. It specifically examines the trade-offs between the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which exports water to South Africa, and the need for domestic, industrial, and agricultural water security within Lesotho.

This report analyzes the political and security crisis in Lesotho leading up to the February 2015 snap elections. It examines the structural causes of instability, including the politicization of security forces, the failure of coalition governments, and the limitations of the Mixed Member Parallel electoral system. The document also evaluates the role of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in mediating the crisis and concludes that elections alone are unlikely to resolve the country's cyclical patterns of violence and institutional fragility.

This policy briefing examines the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) within the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), arguing that the process can transform non-state actors from adversaries into governance partners. While the APRM mandates CSO inclusion in national assessments and governing structures, the author identifies significant challenges in maintaining momentum post-review and ensuring the quality of representation. The document provides recommendations for governments to involve CSOs in the implementation phase and for CSOs to leverage their exposure to state dynamics for sustained policy dialogue.

This case study examines the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), a large-scale transboundary water transfer scheme between Lesotho and South Africa. While praised for its engineering, the project has faced significant challenges regarding corruption, social displacement, and the long-term impact of climate change on water security.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs evaluates the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Lesotho as of September 2011. Using the APRM Monitoring and Advocacy Template (AMAT), the study assesses 13 substantive issues across four themes: vulnerable groups, socio-economic issues, governance, and service delivery. The report finds that while Lesotho has established necessary legal and policy frameworks, actual implementation remains weak and is rarely linked to the APRM process, resulting in an overall rating of 'orange minus'.

This research paper examines the 450km international border between Lesotho and South Africa's Free State province. It analyzes the impact of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) patrols on local relationships, the dynamics of Basotho participation in the South African labour market—particularly in seasonal agriculture—and the economic role of cross-border traders.

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the development of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Brazil, focusing on the role of SEBRAE as a model for public-private partnership. It contrasts the Brazilian approach—which emphasizes logistical support, training, and clear categorization over direct financing—with the strategies used in South Africa and Lesotho.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies details the outcomes of a three-day dialogue series held in Maseru, Lesotho, in April 2000. The event aimed to address challenges in security sector reform (SSR) and improve civil-military relations in a context marked by past military coups and a lack of trust between the state and civil society. The document outlines the internal and external factors influencing Lesotho's security environment, the roles of key institutions like the Ministry of Defence and the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), and a set of recommendations for achieving an apolitical, accountable, and professional security sector.

This report by the Institute for Security Studies provides a development forecast for Lesotho extending to 2043. It outlines a 'Current Path' based on existing policies and compares it against 11 sectoral scenarios and a 'Combined Agenda 2063' scenario. The analysis focuses on demographics, economics, poverty, health, and energy, highlighting Lesotho's heavy economic dependence on South Africa and its vulnerability to food insecurity and political instability.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates South Africa's participation in international peace missions, comparing the guidelines of the 1999 White Paper on South African Participation in Peace Missions against actual practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Lesotho. The authors argue that decision-making remains overly centralized in the presidency, often bypassing mandated inter-departmental consultation and parliamentary oversight.

This briefing summarizes a South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) roundtable held on 29 March 2010 regarding Lesotho's experience with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). The discussion, featuring former APRM Focal Point Ambassador HM Leteka, Professor Roger Southall, and Tšoeu Petlane, examines the milestones of Lesotho's review process, the findings of the Country Review Report, and the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

This research paper examines the trade reform of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on the challenges and opportunities for regional integration among its member states. Through eight case studies of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland (BLNS), the paper identifies significant regulatory, infrastructure, and systemic barriers that hinder the development of cross-border value chains. It argues that the current SACU structure is dominated by South Africa and that a regional development fund could be a critical tool to finance infrastructure and reforms necessary to deepen economic integration and alleviate poverty.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes the persistent political and security instability in Lesotho. It argues that while regional interventions by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have provided temporary calm, long-term stability requires addressing the root causes: a politicized military, a flawed electoral system that encourages factionalism, and a small economy heavily dependent on government employment.