AfDB President Adesina Inspires Lesotho Students, Highlights Water Project Impact

Dr. Adesina, who is the first sitting AfDB President to visit Lesotho, was met with cheers and warm smiles from the excited pupils of Sekete Primary School.

On a momentous visit to Lesotho, African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina turned what was expected to be a routine inspection into a heartfelt celebration of progress, hope, and resilience. The visit spotlighted the transformational impact of the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project and showcased the direct benefits being felt by rural communities, especially students at Sekete Primary School in Maseru.

Dr. Adesina, who is the first sitting AfDB President to visit Lesotho, was met with cheers and warm smiles from the excited pupils of Sekete Primary School. The occasion quickly became more than just a field visit—it was a platform for empowerment. Addressing the assembly of young learners, teachers, community members, and government officials, Adesina shared his own story of growing up in poverty in Nigeria, drawing a powerful connection between his life journey and the AfDB’s mission to improve access to basic services like water, sanitation, and education.

“As a child who grew up in a very poor environment, I understand firsthand the challenges many children face,” he said. “I remember times without proper water and sanitation—experiences that shaped my commitment to making life better for Africa’s children.”

The Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is part of the AfDB’s broader commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable development across Africa. Funded by the Bank, the project has significantly improved access to clean water for 28,266 people across eight zones in the Maseru and Berea districts.

A New Chapter for Sekete Primary School

Sekete Primary School Principal, Mr. Sello Matlal, recalled the tough times before the implementation of the project.

“Before the water project, pupils had to walk over one kilometer to fetch water for meals, drinking, and cleaning,” Matlal said. “This would eat into classroom time and expose them to health risks.”

Today, the school has its own clean water facility, thanks to the project. Students now have access to safe drinking water on-site, improving hygiene, classroom attendance, and overall well-being.

“This is more than just a water project,” Adesina emphasized. “It is a life project. Every investment we make in water and sanitation is an investment in Africa’s future.”

Adesina’s message resonated deeply with the students, many of whom live in similar circumstances to what he experienced as a child. For them, his presence was more than symbolic—it was proof that dreams can be achieved, even from the most humble beginnings.

A Broader National Impact

The visit also included a stop at the Thusong Health Clinic, a vital community facility that has also benefited from the Bank’s water and sanitation support. Nurse Mots'elisi Makhele described the critical improvements brought by the project.

“Before the project, we had just one tap, and 2,000 people would queue daily,” she said. “During droughts, we faced extreme shortages. The new infrastructure has changed everything for our patients.”

Accompanying Dr. Adesina were several senior Bank officials, including:

• Nomfundo X. Ngwenya, Executive Director for Lesotho,

• Moono Mupotola, Deputy Director General for Southern Africa,

• Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement.

Government representatives were also present, including Relebohile Lebeta, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Lebeta stressed that the project supports both Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

“Not only will students and communities benefit from clean water, but this will also enhance Lesotho’s ability to manage and export water resources—an important national asset,” said Lebeta.

Water: Lesotho’s Lifeblood

Lesotho is often referred to as the “Water Tower of Southern Africa,” with water contributing to nearly 30% of the national GDP. However, despite this wealth, many rural Basotho lived for years without access to safe, clean water. That contradiction is what the Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project is addressing head-on.

The Bank’s interventions have been game-changers. With improved water infrastructure now in place, rural communities are experiencing better health outcomes, reduced waterborne diseases, and increased school attendance. The burden of collecting water—a task that often falls to girls—is now lessened, giving them more time in the classroom.

A Vision for the Future

For Adesina, this visit was more than a project check-in—it was a mission in action. By uplifting communities, investing in children’s health and education, and improving infrastructure, the AfDB is helping build a stronger, more resilient Lesotho.

“These children represent our future. When we invest in their health and education, we invest in Africa’s greatness,” Adesina concluded, standing amid rows of beaming students.

As the Bank looks to deepen its footprint in Lesotho and beyond, one thing is clear: access to water isn’t just about pipes and pumps—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the power to dream.