What Lesotho, country Trump says 'nobody has ever heard of', offers to US

Lesotho has strongly objected to recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who dismissed the African nation as a country “nobody has ever heard of” while justifying cuts to US foreign aid.

Trump specifically referenced an $8 million allocation for LGBTQI+ initiatives in Lesotho, a claim that local advocacy groups and government officials refuted.

Lejone Mpotjoane, Lesotho’s foreign minister, expressed his disappointment, stating that the remarks were “surprising and disappointing,” especially given that the US maintains an embassy in Maseru and has longstanding diplomatic relations with the country.

The government has vowed to send an official protest letter to Washington in response.

On social media, Lesotho residents reacted with a mix of humour and frustration. Journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse reminded Trump that Lesotho is known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its high altitude and took a jab at Trump’s approval ratings.

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Hey @realDonaldTrump, ever heard of Kingdom in the Sky?
Guess not, too busy golfing to notice.
Lesotho’s the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 meters elevation, higher than your approval ratings ever got.
We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not your punchline. pic.twitter.com/Ld7JMs5TmN

— Kananelo Boloetse (@YourKayBol) March 5, 2025

The country’s main LGBTQ+ rights organisation, People’s Matrix, also denied receiving any US funding, with spokesperson Tampose Mothopeng stating, “We are literally not receiving grants from the US We have no idea of the allocation of eight million dollars.”

Additionally, the US government’s foreign assistance website does not list any direct funding for LGBTQ+ rights in Lesotho, instead indicating that around $120 million was spent on health and population programmes in 2024, with $43.5 million specifically allocated for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

What we know about US-Lesotho relations

Contrary to Trump’s remarks, Lesotho and the US share significant diplomatic and economic ties. The US established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, immediately following the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, US assistance has focused on health, economic development, and infrastructure projects.

One of the most impactful US aid initiatives in Lesotho is its contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The US has committed over $959 million to Lesotho’s HIV response since 2006.

The country has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world, with nearly one in four adults living with the virus. In 2024 alone, $43.5 million was allocated for tackling the epidemic, making it one of the largest US-funded health initiatives in the country.

However, Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid has put these programmes at risk, leading to the suspension of critical prevention efforts and the loss of at least 1,500 health workers — approximately 7 per cent of the country’s health workforce.

Beyond healthcare, US support has extended to economic growth through trade initiatives. Lesotho is a major beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free exports to the US.

The country is the second-largest exporter of textiles and garments to the US under AGOA, supplying major American brands.

The textile industry is a vital part of Lesotho’s economy, providing employment to thousands of workers, particularly women. However, any disruptions in trade policies or aid programmes could have long-term consequences for the sector.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has also played a role in Lesotho’s development. The first MCC compact (2008-2013) focused on healthcare, water, and land rights.

A second compact, which took effect in March 2024, aims to strengthen primary healthcare, develop irrigation systems, and promote private sector growth.

Elon Musk’s business interests in Lesotho

Despite Trump’s dismissive remarks, American business interests in Lesotho continue to grow. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sought to establish a foothold in the country through his Starlink satellite internet service.

In September 2024, Musk met with Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss Starlink’s potential role in improving digital connectivity. The Lesotho Communications Authority confirmed that Starlink has submitted an application for a 10-year operating license.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Elon Musk to discuss advancing connectivity in Lesotho. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions to improve internet access and bridge the digital divide for our people. Exciting developments lie ahead. pic.twitter.com/PbYRmmIrak

— Rt. Hon. Sam Matekane (@MatekaneSam) September 24, 2024

Musk’s business engagements in Africa extend beyond Lesotho, with Starlink also exploring opportunities in Namibia and other countries. His growing interest in the region stands in contrast to the US government’s recent retreat from foreign aid commitments.

Musk has also been a key figure in the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through his role as head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) . These cuts have significantly impacted Lesotho, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Why Lesotho is important

Despite its small size and economic challenges, Lesotho remains strategically important in the region. Surrounded entirely by South Africa, it plays a key role in Southern African trade and water resources.

The country also has significant renewable energy potential, particularly in hydro and solar power, which could be of interest to international investors, including those from the US.

Lesotho has historically maintained strong ties with the US, benefiting from diplomatic programmes like the Peace Corps. Since 1967, more than 2,630 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in the country, focusing on health and education.

According to the US Department of State, over 500 Basotho nationals have participated in US government-sponsored exchange programmes, such as the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowships, the Young African Leaders Initiative, and the International Visitors Leadership Program.

Trade relations between the two countries extend beyond AGOA, with Lesotho being a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which has a cooperative agreement with the US that focuses on customs, trade facilitation, and investment promotion.

Lesotho also belongs to international organisations such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and World Trade Organisation, positioning it as an active player in global affairs.

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With inputs from agencies