Real GDP Growth: Lesotho
Lesotho's real gdp growth is currently 1.1% as of 2026. # Lesotho Real GDP Growth Lesotho's real GDP growth stands at 1.
Current (2026)
1.1%
-21.4% y/y
Peak (1988)
7.9%
Low (2020)
-5.3%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Real GDP Growth — Lesotho
1980 — 2026
Real GDP Growth — Lesotho
Analysis# Lesotho Real GDP Growth
Lesotho's real GDP growth stands at 1.1% in 2026, modest by historical standards. The economy reached its all-time peak of 7.9% in 1988, while the deepest contraction occurred in 2020 at -5.3%. Since 1980, cumulative growth has reached 237.5%, reflecting long-term expansion despite significant volatility over the past four decades.
The 2020 contraction marked a severe turning point, but recovery began immediately in 2021 at 1.9%. Growth accelerated modestly through 2024 (2.2%), then weakened to 1.4% in 2025 before declining further to 1.1% in 2026. The recent deceleration suggests headwinds ahead, with projected growth remaining subdued as the economy struggles to regain the momentum that characterized earlier decades.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 1.5% | +0.00% |
| 2029 | 1.5% | +7.14% |
| 2028 | 1.4% | +75.00% |
| 2027 | 0.8% | -27.27% |
| 2026 | 1.1% | -21.43% |
| 2025 | 1.4% | -36.36% |
| 2024 | 2.2% | +4.76% |
| 2023 | 2.1% | +5.00% |
| 2022 | 2.0% | +5.26% |
| 2021 | 1.9% | +135.85% |
| 2020 | -5.3% | -82.76% |
| 2019 | -2.9% | -93.33% |
| 2018 | -1.5% | +44.44% |
| 2017 | -2.7% | -242.11% |
| 2016 | 1.9% | -40.63% |
| 2015 | 3.2% | +52.38% |
| 2014 | 2.1% | +16.67% |
| 2013 | 1.8% | -64.71% |
| 2012 | 5.1% | +0.00% |
| 2011 | 5.1% | +0.00% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5.1% | +1175.00% |
| 2009 | 0.4% | -89.47% |
| 2008 | 3.8% | -9.52% |
| 2007 | 4.2% | +0.00% |
| 2006 | 4.2% | +27.27% |
| 2005 | 3.3% | +57.14% |
| 2004 | 2.1% | -50.00% |
| 2003 | 4.2% | +75.00% |
| 2002 | 2.4% | -27.27% |
| 2001 | 3.3% | -17.50% |
| 2000 | 4.0% | +185.71% |
| 1999 | 1.4% | +7.69% |
| 1998 | 1.3% | -60.61% |
| 1997 | 3.3% | -31.25% |
| 1996 | 4.8% | +17.07% |
| 1995 | 4.1% | -21.15% |
| 1994 | 5.2% | +30.00% |
| 1993 | 4.0% | -34.43% |
| 1992 | 6.1% | -18.67% |
| 1991 | 7.5% | +17.19% |
| 1990 | 6.4% | +6.67% |
| 1989 | 6.0% | -24.05% |
| 1988 | 7.9% | +192.59% |
| 1987 | 2.7% | -28.95% |
| 1986 | 3.8% | +26.67% |
| 1985 | 3.0% | -37.50% |
| 1984 | 4.8% | +60.00% |
| 1983 | 3.0% | -46.43% |
| 1982 | 5.6% | +80.65% |
| 1981 | 3.1% | +487.50% |
| 1980 | -0.8% | — |
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