The Government of Lesotho has joined the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) formally as a member.
Lesotho’s membership follows their participation as an observer in the IATI Partner Country Workshop earlier this year (May 2022, Kigali, Rwanda) when they took part in IATI training, discussion and networking amongst existing partner country members (see more information).
The Government of Lesotho has been using IATI data for several years in their Development Cooperation Report, which provides an annual systematic review of external financial flows into the country. The report informs the policy dialogue and decisions on planning, mobilisation and utilisation of development resources.
Motai Ramokoinihi, Senior Economic Planner, Aid Coordination from the Ministry of Development Planning said: “The Government has joined IATI as part of its commitment to promote transparency and good governance when implementing its National Strategic Development Plan”.
“The Government has decided and will continue to use IATI data because it provides wider coverage, enabling covering of aid flows beyond the public sector, to include external development assistance to the private sector, foundations and NGOs.
“The Government has decided and will continue to use IATI data because it provides wider coverage, enabling covering of aid flows beyond the public sector, to include external development assistance to the private sector, foundations and NGOs. It has helped to minimise the margin of error in recording aid flows to Lesotho.”
As a new member, Lesotho says it is committed to promoting the use of IATI data to stakeholders in other partner countries. The Government also says it wants to be an “active member” by attending events such as IATI’s Virtual Community Exchanges.
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For organisations who want more information about IATI membership, please visit our Members’ Assembly section. Anyone interested in development transparency and open data is welcomed to join IATI’s upcoming Virtual Community Exchange (VCE4) on 10 November. Your organisation does not need to be a member of IATI to attend and you can register here or visit our community platform, IATI Connect for more information).