Why did Moshoeshoe I welcome missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society?

Moshoeshoe I welcomed missionaries from the Paris Evangelical Missionary Society in 1833 for several strategic reasons:

• Diplomatic Relations: He utilized the missionaries as diplomatic intermediaries to cultivate favorable relationships with British politicians in Cape Town.12
• Global Insight: He viewed the missionaries as a valuable source of information regarding the rest of the world.34
• Strategic Development: By placing them in key areas of his kingdom, he facilitated the introduction of Christianity, literacy, and commodity production, which helped modernize his society and support long-distance trade.34

Although Moshoeshoe never converted to Christianity himself, he recognized the utility of these outsiders in navigating the complex political landscape of 19th-century Southern Africa, helping him maintain the autonomy and unity of the Sotho nation against external threats.134