Unlocking the Power of Regional Trade for Climate Action: Opportunities and Strategies for Lesotho in AfCFTA and SADC

Lesotho is a small, landlocked developing country in Southern Africa, and it faces significant challenges, from droughts and increased temperatures to changing agricultural patterns and ineffective international trading. As part of its strategy to address these challenges, it must explore the intersection of trade and climate action. Regional frameworks, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offer avenues to integrate climate action resilience into economic policies and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. This policy brief examines how Lesotho can leverage regional trade agreements, specifically the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to advance climate action. It highlights opportunities within these frameworks and outlines strategies for aligning trade policies with climate goals to drive sustainable development.