The National Assembly elected Moeketsi Majoro as prime minister on 22 March 2020, securing his position with 26 out of 46 votes following the resignation of his predecessor. This transition marked a significant shift in Lesotho's leadership, moving from a period of intense political instability into an administration focused on legislative governance and economic restructuring.
Academic and Professional Origins
Born on 3 November 1961 in Tsikoane, Leribe District, Moeketsi Majoro pursued an academic path before entering the public sector. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the National University of Lesotho. His post-graduate education includes a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and a PhD in Natural Resource Economics, both awarded by Washington State University. He returned to the National University of Lesotho in 1991, serving as an economics lecturer until 2000.
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In 2000, Majoro transitioned from academia to the finance ministry, serving initially as a fiscal analyst. By 2004, he ascended to the role of principal secretary. His expertise in international finance led to his tenure at the International Monetary Fund, where he represented the Africa Group 1 Constituency as an alternate executive director and later as an executive director between 2008 and 2012.
Ministerial Roles and Parliamentary Career
Majoro entered formal political office in 2013 when he was appointed Minister of Development Planning under Prime Minister Tom Thabane, a role facilitated by his appointment as a senator. Although his party was removed from power in 2015, Majoro returned to the legislature following the 2017 general election, having been elected the MP for Thetsane Constituency No. 33. Thabane subsequently appointed him Minister of Finance, a position he held until 2020.
The Prime Ministership
Following the collapse of the Thabane majority, Majoro was sworn in as the sixth prime minister of Lesotho on 20 May 2020. His cabinet featured a coalition of All Basotho Convention and Democratic Congress members, appointing Mathibeli Mokhothu as his deputy. His premiership focused on internal coalition management until he concluded his term in October 2022. During this tenure, his diplomatic engagements included a notable visit to South Africa to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 November 1961, Tsikoane, Leribe District
- Citizenship: Lesotho
- Political Party: All Basotho Convention
- Constituency: Thetsane Constituency No. 33
- Term as Prime Minister: May 2020 – October 2022
- Previous Role: Minister of Finance (2017–2020)
- Spouse: 'Masekoalane 'Mamusa Rankhelepe
- Languages: English and Sesotho
Questions readers ask
What is Moeketsi Majoro's educational background?
He holds a BA in Economics from the National University of Lesotho, alongside an MSc and a PhD in economics from Washington State University.
Which political party did he represent while in office?
He is a member of the All Basotho Convention (ABC).
Achievements
- Prime Minister of Lesotho (2020–2022)
- Minister of Finance of Lesotho (2017–2020)
- Educated at National University of Lesotho
