Lesotho is preparing for another major edition of the Roof of Africa Rally, with organisers looking to strengthen the event’s contribution to sport, tourism and local communities while encouraging more Basotho to take ownership of one of the country’s best-known motorcycle competitions.
The rally is scheduled to take place from September 23 to 26, 2026, and preparations are being supported by LesRock in partnership with the Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA) and other stakeholders. The partners are introducing a programme of entertainment and community activities designed to build wider public interest in the event and increase participation by Basotho.
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LesRock Director Limpho Nkune said the initiative will begin on September 13 with the preparation and distribution of food and clothing to people living on the streets. The activity is being organised in collaboration with the Litsamaiso Foundation, which already provides food to people in need every Sunday.
The community programme will also help raise awareness of the rally among Basotho, particularly as local riders continue to participate in the prestigious competition.
On September 19, 18 Basotho riders taking part in this year’s Roof of Africa will be introduced to the public during a meet-and-greet. The event will give residents an opportunity to meet the riders, learn more about the competition and encourage young people to explore motorcycle sport.
A motorcycle parade is also planned, ending at Maseru Mall, where members of the public will have an opportunity to see the participating riders and experience the excitement surrounding the event.
For Lesotho, the initiative is designed to bring the Roof of Africa closer to local communities and demonstrate that the rally is an opportunity for Basotho riders, businesses and residents to participate in and benefit from the country’s growing sporting and tourism profile. The organisers also hope that greater public engagement will attract additional sponsors and create new opportunities around the event, particularly as Lesotho prepares to mark 60 years of independence.
The long-term ambition is to develop the Roof of Africa into an even broader platform combining motorcycle sport with entertainment, tourism and community development. Such growth could further strengthen the rally’s contribution to Lesotho’s tourism economy while creating opportunities for local talent and businesses.
With the 2026 edition approaching, Lesotho is positioning the Roof of Africa not only as a major sporting event, but also as a celebration of the country’s riders, communities, landscapes and tourism potential.
