By Neo Kolane
The associate director of Lesotho-based Khantša Energy, Koaile Monaheng, has been named as one of the ‘Forbes Africa 30 Under 30’ Class of 2023.
Khantṧa Energy is a social enterprise that provides mobile solar power and installations to rural communities around Lesotho. It has installed solar power in Roma, Mokhotlong, Thaba-Tseka and Qacha’s Nek.
Forbes Africa is a respected magazine that covers stories of inspirational leadership and exemplary entrepreneurs who have made remarkable strides in Africa.
The magazine has identified 30 of the continent’s brightest and most prospective game-changers under the age of 30.
In a press statement on Thursday this week, the senior principal of Khantša Energy, Kevin Kwinana, described the achievement as an immense honour of recognition from a prestigious organisation such as Forbes Africa.
Kiwana said Khantša is privileged and burdened by the need to provide power through renewable energy to as many people as possible across the country.
“The major highlights of this recognition are two-fold; firstly, Monaheng is the first Mosotho to be identified on the Forbes Africa list.
“Secondly, he is one of the cover stars of the class of 2023 alongside fellow recipients, Khethokuhle ‘Kay Yarms’ Ngonyama (South Africa), Wedu Tose Somolekae (Botswana), Oluwabusayo Victoria Abiri (Nigeria) and Mutethia Mbaabu (Kenya). Under the theme ‘self-made’, this is a coveted ninth annual edition of the Forbes Africa 30.
“Under 30 list recognises young African’s achievements in starting from scratch to building businesses and brands that are totally solutions-oriented. Monaheng is a living testament that a person is a human being through others, a value which we live by here at Khantša Energy,” Kiwana said.
