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1.5. Recurrent droughts are a serious hindrance to agricultural production and productivity growth, and their impact is further magnified by the fact that about three fourths of the people living in rural areas are dependent on subsistence farming (Section 4.1.1).

1.12. (...) Lesotho's exposure to climate shocks has also continued to undermine economic activities in the agricultural sector, as droughts and floods episodes have become more frequent over the past decade.

1.16. (...)The National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) for 2018/19-2022/23 aims to enhance inclusive and sustainable economic growth (...)

1.28. (...) However, energy facilities, in particular renewable power plants, have benefited from foreign investments in recent years. (...)

2.11. (...)The following topics are identified under the NTPF [the National Trade Policy Framework] as priority intervention areas for trade development: (...)and the role of trade in sustainable development. (...)

2.25. The new legislation [the Business Licensing and Registration Act, 2019 and its Regulations, 2020] also introduces a risk-based system, whereby a licence is required for business activities whose operations are deemed to pose public health, environment, or national security risks. These are listed in Schedule 1 of the Business Licensing and Registration Act, 2019 and consist of : supply of liquefied petroleum gas and petroleum products, waste collection and treatment, sewerage, remediation and other waste management services, wholesale and retail sale of health-related articles or products, food and beverage services, personal service activities, metal waste or scraps, repairs and maintenance, animal production, fishing and aquaculture, medical goods, and chemicals for animals and crops. Businesses that do not pose any risk are only required to be registered and can start operations before registration.

2.30. For businesses involved in industrial activities, issuance of a manufacturing licence is governed by the Industrial Licensing Act, 2014. It is valid for one year (renewable) and subject to the submission by investors of an impact report on public health, occupational safety, and environmental issues, where necessary.

2.31. New businesses also require an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) issued by the Department of Environment. This requirement applies to projects and activities in industries, including construction, transportation, mining, forestry-related activities, agriculture, the processing and manufacturing industries, energy and electric infrastructure, waste handling/storage/transport/treatment and disposal, and communications(...)

3.19. Although the SACU Agreement (Schedule 1) allows for the application of certain levies such as environmental levies, the authorities indicate that Lesotho does not yet collect them.

3.23. (...) It also prohibits imports of certain chemicals, through the Environmental Act, 2008, to comply with the international environmental conventions to which it is a signatory.