Policy brief for empowering women to bridge opportunities and break barriers to international trade in Lesotho

This policy brief, presented at the 3rd Annual NUL-WTO Research Chair Seminar, aims to explore how targeted policy interventions can empower women in Lesotho to overcome systemic barriers and fully participate in international trade. Despite Lesotho’s involvement in multiple regional and global trade agreements—including SACU, SADC-FTA, and AfCFTA—women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in cross-border trade due to structural, financial, and institutional constraints.
The brief outlines a strategic framework to bridge these gaps by promoting gender-inclusive trade policies, enhancing capacity-building and skills development, improving access to finance, and fostering mentorship and networking opportunities. It also calls for the establishment of a national policy body to monitor progress and ensure accountability in advancing women’s participation in trade.
By implementing these recommendations, Lesotho can create a more inclusive trade environment that not only empowers women economically but also contributes to broader national goals of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.