The project aims at strengthening Lesotho's integration into the world trading environment and complements the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, as well as the country’s efforts in raising competitiveness, productive capacity and product diversification. The project focused on supporting the EIF National Implementation Unit (NIU) to build and strengthen capacity for the coordination of activities particularly related to trade mainstreaming, donor coordination and productive capacity building.

 Results

• The EIF National Steering Committee (NSC) and the Technical Appraisal Committee were resuscitated and held their first meetings in October and August respectively. The resuscitation of NSC meetings is expected to create a bridge through which trade development priorities will be connected back to the Development Partners' Consultative Forum.
• A draft concept note and road map for the development of a National Trade Policy was done in collaboration with the Department of Trade.
• The NIU through the Project Coordinator and National Economist participated in the India-Africa Forum Summit to explore opportunities for extending the funding pool for trade‑related initiatives within the India Africa Cooperation Framework.
• The NIU presented a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update Action Matrix and Medium‑term Programme implementation concept note to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The concept note proposes a specific sequence of implementing priorities while taking into account institutional and resource constraints.
• A comparative review of EIF‑assisted countries with similar characteristics as Lesotho but with higher Aid for Trade inflows (Lao PDR and Tanzania) was done. The resultant report contains applicable recommendations on improving the current trade policy and institutional frameworks.
• A Quarterly Trade Sector Bulletin which shares trade ‑related information and EIF programme results with public has been established, and the first bulletin was published in January 2016.
• The NIU participated in the “Africa Regional Workshop on Mainstreaming Trade into National Development Strategies” facilitated by UNCTAD in March 2015.
• A new mobile-friendly website has been developed.
• The NIU also undertook preparations for a television magazine covering trade sector issues that will be aired in 2016.