Summary (English)

With more than 4 per cent of its population above the age of 70, Lesotho has a larger share of older people than many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. All citizens of Lesotho over 70 years of age, with the exception of retirees from the Civil Service, are entitled to a monthly pension benefit of 850 Lesotho Maloti, equivalent to US$55. The OAP was introduced to lift older persons out of poverty and is the largest regular cash transfer in Lesotho, covering about 83,000 persons (4.5 per cent of the population). While coverage of eligible elderly persons is approximately 100 per cent, the OAP programme benefits more people indirectly.