18/06/2026
MILCO Represents Lesotho at Botswana Summit, Championing Locally Made Products and Cross-Border Collaboration
The Made In Lesotho Cooperative (MILCO) is representing the Kingdom of Lesotho at the Botswana–Lesotho Business Forum & Exhibition, taking place from June 16 to 18, 2026, at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) in Botswana. The three-day expo marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two neighbouring nations while showcasing the vibrancy of Basotho entrepreneurship and locally manufactured goods.
MILCO's delegation arrived in Gaborone on June 16, coinciding with the official launch of the inaugural Botswana-Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC), which has been elevated from the Joint Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) following the signing of the agreement in Maseru in July 2025. The summit's timing aligns with high-level diplomatic efforts to enhance strategic cooperation amid global trade uncertainties, climate pressures, and persistent public health crises.
The summit represents more than just displaying our products - it is about building lasting partnerships, exploring innovation opportunities, and positioning Basotho entrepreneurs for market expansion across the SADC region.
Since its grand opening on October 18, 2023, MILCO has grown into a vibrant hub for SMMEs (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) in Lesotho, boasting over 370 members who are either shareholders or product suppliers. Founded in 2020 under the incubation of the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Innovation Hub, the cooperative exclusively sells products crafted by the Basotho people, with its flagship store located at Sefika Shopping Centre in Maseru.
The expo features exhibitors from diverse industries, panel discussions on regional trade, networking sessions, and concrete business opportunities designed to catalyze cross-border commerce. MILCO's exhibition booth has drawn considerable attention from Botswana business leaders, with the cooperative's distinctive branding standing out among international exhibitors.
Principal Secretary Thabang Lekhela, head of Lesotho's senior officials' delegation at the BNC, acknowledged the long-standing ties between the nations: "Botswana's learning institutions have established campuses in Lesotho, Botswana companies operate there, and Lesotho has contributed immensely to Botswana's construction sector". MILCO's participation extends this economic relationship by opening new channels for Basotho manufacturers to access Botswana's market.
The cooperative has partnered with an independent orbital lab at the National University of Lesotho for quality testing, ensuring that products meeting international standards can confidently enter foreign markets. This infrastructure represents a critical step toward transforming Lesotho's creative and manufacturing sectors into regional export industries.
As the exhibition continues through June 18, MILCO remains committed to demonstrating the cooperative's mission to foster economic development, support small businesses, and build communities through locally produced goods. The summit represents a critical opportunity for establishing permanent distribution partnerships and creating sustainable export channels for Lesotho products beyond Botswana's borders.
The Botswana-Lesotho Bi-National Commission launch marks a significant step toward enhancing collaboration, with both nations optimistic about addressing regional and global challenges effectively through strengthened bilateral cooperation. MILCO's presence at this historic forum exemplifies how grassroots enterprises can drive meaningful economic integration between neighbouring African nations.
