To accelerate shared and sustained economic growth in Lesotho, the joint programme on economic growth and development will support the joint programme on Maternal and Child Health and one on Nutrition so that the efficacy of interventions under the joint programmes is enhanced equitably and simultaneously for socio-economic improvement in the four districts. The programme aims to make a concerted effort to strengthen existing businesses, especially at the small and medium scale level, as also to provide skills training to entrepreneurs in the four target districts. Special efforts will be made towards promoting employment opportunities for women, encouraging women entrepreneurship activities through appropriate skills training, business advisory services and development of value chains to encourage greater production and consequent economic growth.

UNDAF Outcome(s):      National Institutions able to implement sustainable pro poor economic development, environmental management and household food security policies and strategies with special focus on vulnerable groups including women, young men and women and the disabled.

Expected Outcome(s):                 

1) National institutions able to promote and foster increased production and trade.

2) Government institutions, private sector institutions and NGO’s able to create decent employment opportunities for women, men, children and youth, including orphaned and vulnerable youth            

 Expected Output(s):                      

1) Increased institutional capacities of the public and private technical support institutions to utilize trade preferences enhance market access opportunities and improve competitiveness of manufacturing enterprises.

2) Government institutions, private sector institutions and NGO’s have capacity to facilitate creation of decent employment opportunities for both young men and women. 

 (Sub-)National partner(s):           MOF&DP,  MTICM, MGYSR, MET