Lesotho is a partner country of German and international Development Cooperation. Since 1975, GTZ has been active there on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

A number of constraints are arresting Lesotho's development. These include an exceptionally low per capita income, one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates worldwide, a heavily centralised public administration system and insufficient public services at community and district level. In addition, the country's social infrastructure, e.g. the health care and water supply system, is unable to meet the population’s needs. More than fifty percent of the population live below the poverty line. The country's traditions and laws place restrictions on the aquisition and use of land. Women and orphans are particularly affected and hence at a disadvantage. A grave problem for development is also the increasing scarcity of land. Vast areas suffer from severe erosion as a result of overgrazing.

By agreement between the German and Lesotho Governments, GTZ’s activities therefore focus on the priority area Decentralised rural development.

With the focus on managing for development results, GTZ employs appropriate concepts and instruments to prepare, implement and evaluate Technical Cooperation in Lesotho. Cooperation takes place at national as well as district and community level. It comprises, amongst other things, policy advice, personnel and organisational development and the financing of concrete development measures.