Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (Lesotho)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has supported international cooperation between Germany and the Kingdom of Lesotho since 1976.

Basic public service provision is limited outside the capital Maseru. This is due to the high level of centralisation in Lesotho, with small towns and municipalities outside the capital lacking the capacities and resources needed for local administration. However, one of the most serious problems facing Lesotho is the spread of HIV. Almost one adult in every four is living with HIV and the number of AIDS orphans is rising continuously. 

In order to address these problems, Lesotho has adopted a National Strategic Development Plan, which focuses on more rapid economic growth, job creation, improved access to quality public services, decentralisation and combating HIV/AIDS. Working mainly on behalf of the European Union (EU), GIZ is supporting Lesotho’s efforts to implement the Plan. Gender issues and combating HIV/AIDS plays a key role in all GIZ’s projects and programmes in Lesotho.