President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa is scheduled to visit Maseru, Lesotho, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to co-chair the second session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Lesotho. He will be accompanied by 15 Ministers.

The session will be co-chaired with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane. This Bi-National Commission follows the Inaugural Session held in Pretoria in September 2023. The elevation of bilateral cooperation to the BNC level in 2022 signifies the strong relationship between the two nations and their commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors.

During the session, South Africa intends to promote greater solidarity among countries in the region, especially considering current geopolitical shifts. A key focus will be on the strategic importance of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), with emphasis on expediting Phase II of the project within the agreed timelines and budget.

The BNC is also expected to address the significant investments made by South African companies in Lesotho, which have led to the creation of numerous jobs, and to reflect on the movement of people between the two countries.

The discussions between the two countries will encompass fostering stronger political and bilateral relations, deepening economic cooperation, reviewing the implementation of outcomes from the inaugural BNC session, identifying new priority areas, and exchanging views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual concern.

Prior to the BNC, a Meeting of Senior Officials (SOM) and a Council of Ministers Meeting are scheduled for April 22, 2025.