Germany and the Kingdom of Lesotho have enjoyed diplomatic relations based on mutual trust since the latter gained independence in 1966. The two countries work together closely in international bodies, especially the United Nations. Even after the closure of the German Embassy in Maseru in 1994, Lesotho maintained its embassy in Bonn and then in Berlin. At the beginning of 2005, Germany and France opened a joint consular office in the Alliance Française building in Maseru.

Following his first official visit in April 2013, King Letsie III returned to Germany in March and May 2023 with a delegation including Foreign Minister Lejone. In March, he was invited for talks with Federal President Steinmeier.

Germany is engaged in Lesotho as part of regional cooperation with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This cooperation focuses on projects in water management and the prevention of gender-based violence. In addition, non‑governmental agencies are active in Lesotho with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The GIZ has an office in Maseru.

German trade with Lesotho is modest in volume, which means that absolute figures are not particularly meaningful and may fluctuate widely from one year to the next. In 2021, Lesotho imported from Germany goods worth approximately 5.3 million euro and exported to Germany goods worth approximately 6.7 million euro (source: Federal Statistical Office). Lesotho’s main imports from Germany are food, machinery, pharmaceuticals and chemical products. Germany’s principal imports from Lesotho are raw materials, textiles and food. However, the Government of Lesotho is increasingly endeavouring to attract investment from Germany.

In recent years, cooperation in the area of sport has focused on support for football, volleyball and athletics coaches. In higher education, cooperation with the country’s only university, the National University of Lesotho, through German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships enables exchanges between students and teachers from the two countries.