US President Donald Trump’s recent quip about Lesotho as a nation “nobody has ever heard of” has inadvertently catapulted the small African kingdom into the global limelight.
By Seth Onyango
An offhand remark by US President Donald Trump about Lesotho has unwittingly ignited a surge of curiosity and travel interest in the tiny southern African nation.
During a March 4 address to Congress, Trump quipped that “nobody has ever heard of” Lesotho while criticising an US$8 million aid allocation for LGBTQ+ initiatives, a claim swiftly rebuked by the country’s officials.
But within hours, hashtags like #LesothoExists, #DiscoverLesotho and #KingdomInTheSky surged globally as netizens countered the remark with breathtaking photos of its jagged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Netizens have also quickly pointed out that Trump’s backer billionaire Elon Musk, the head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, is currently seeking a licence to provide internet services in Lesotho.
Musk’s Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has applied for a license to operate in Lesotho, aiming to provide satellite internet services to the region. Musk’s engagement underscores the country’s potential in embracing modern connectivity solutions.
Lesotho’s government expressed shock at Trump’s remarks, noting the US maintains an embassy in its capital, Maseru, and that the two nations share a trade relationship exceeding US$240 million annually, largely driven by textile exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane retorted, “He should speak for himself,” extending an invitation for Trump to visit the “Kingdom in the Sky,” renowned for its dramatic highland vistas and villages accessible only by horseback or light aircraft.
“Lesotho is such a significant and unique country in the whole world. I would be happy to invite the president, as well as the rest of the world, to come to Lesotho,” said Mpotjoane.
Nonetheless, Trump’s jab has proved a catalyst. Online searches for Lesotho spiked by over 150% within 48 hours of Trump’s speech, according to Google Trends data.
Social media users have since shared videos of the country’s snow-capped Maloti Mountains, traditional Basotho blankets adorned with symbolic patterns, and the iconic mokorotlo hat—a national emblem featured on its flag.
Viral TikTok clips of locals singing in Sesotho, one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, have racked up millions of views, while Instagram feeds brimmed with photos of Afriski, sub-Saharan Africa’s highest ski resort, perched at 3,222 meters.
Lesotho, a constitutional monarchy entirely encircled by South Africa, is no stranger to US engagement.
The US has invested over US$630 million since 2006 in combating HIV/AIDS, a crisis affecting 22% of Lesotho’s adult population.
While Trump’s remarks stung, Lesotho’s government has turned the spotlight into a diplomatic opening.
Mpotjoane extended an invitation for Trump to visit, highlighting the capital’s golf course near the US Embassy and the country’s snow-capped peaks—a nod to its “Kingdom in the Sky” moniker.
The incident underscores a broader trend of African nations leveraging digital platforms to redefine global perceptions.
Similar to Ghana’s “Year of Return” campaign, which spurred a 45% surge in diaspora visits, Lesotho could very well use the newfound fame to turbocharge its tourism industry, which contributes just 4% to GDP.
bird story agency
US President Donald Trump's remark about Lesotho as a "nation nobody has ever heard of" has unintentionally increased global interest in the country. His comment, made during a March 4 address to Congress while criticizing an $8 million aid allocation for LGBTQ+ initiatives, was quickly countered by online users who began sharing photos and information about Lesotho's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The remark had immediate effects, with online searches for Lesotho spiking over 150% and social media filled with images and videos showcasing the country's attractions and culture.
Lesotho's Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane took the opportunity to invite Trump to visit, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations, including a $240 million annual trade relationship largely based on textile exports. Furthermore, businessman Elon Musk, a Trump supporter, is pursuing a license to provide internet services in the country through his company Starlink.
Despite the initial negative context of Trump's statement, Lesotho has used the situation to promote itself globally, drawing parallels to how other African countries, like Ghana with its “Year of Return” campaign, have harnessed digital platforms to enhance global perceptions and boost tourism. Lesotho, with its unique highland landscapes, cultural richness, and U.S. investments particularly in public health, sees this newfound attention as a chance to invigorate its tourism industry.
