Lesotho’s economy expanded 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, slowing from the 3.9% growth in the previous quarter. This marked the weakest expansion in a year, as activity slowed in wholesale and retail trade (2.4% vs 6.3% in Q4), transport and storage (2.0% vs 6.9%), and information and communication (5.8% vs 8.5%). Output in public administration was unchanged (0% vs 3.9%), while manufacturing production contracted (-2.3% vs 6.1%). On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, Lesotho's GDP decreased 0.8%, after a 1.4% rise in the previous period. source: Lesotho Bureau of Statistics

GDP Annual Growth Rate in Lesotho averaged 3.02 percent from 1961 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 26.40 percent in the fourth quarter of 1973 and a record low of -18.31 percent in the second quarter of 2020. This page provides - Lesotho GDP Annual Growth Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Lesotho GDP Annual Growth Rate - values, historical data and charts - was last updated on August of 2026.

GDP Annual Growth Rate in Lesotho is expected to be 1.40 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Lesotho GDP Annual Growth Rate is projected to trend around 1.00 percent in 2027 and 1.40 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
GDP Annual Growth Rate 2.82 3.91 percent Mar 2026
GDP Constant Prices 5684.19 5885.66 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Agriculture 366.12 411.70 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Construction 207.32 203.36 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Manufacturing 616.32 764.78 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Mining 170.09 109.43 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Public Administration 903.25 842.85 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Services 384.97 458.07 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Transport 107.61 118.73 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP from Utilities 215.82 209.17 LSL Million Mar 2026
GDP Growth Rate -0.77 1.38 percent Mar 2026


Lesotho GDP Annual Growth Rate
Lesotho is a landlocked country inside South Africa. Lesotho’s economy is dependent on diamonds extraction, exports of water to South Africa and workers remittances from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The agricultural sector, which accounts for only 8.6 percent of GDP, is the main source of income for the majority of rural population. Yet, in recent years, increasing foreign direct investments (mainly from China) in textile industry and commerce have created more jobs and strengthen the economy. However, widespread poverty, youth unemployment and high prevalence rate of AIDS remain the main obstacles to growth.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
2.82 3.91 26.40 -18.31 1961 - 2026 percent Quarterly
2012=100, NSA