‘Mantṧali Phakoana
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism has launched a Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility in Maseru on Thursday.
This initiative aims to provide vital support to young Basotho entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, who possess immense potential and have embarked on an inspiring journey to shape a brighter future, not only for themselves but also for the country.
Speaking at the occasion, trade minister Mokhethi Shelile indicated that the facility perfectly aligns with the National Trade Strategy, which emphasizes the development and improvement of production as a means to enhance income and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
Shelile pointed said the hub was established to facilitate the development of a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lesotho.
“The strategy further highlights the critical need for robust infrastructure, business skills, and a conducive environment to nurture horticultural development.
At the same occasion, Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane enthused that the entrepreneurship hub will steer the economy towards private sector, led economic growth which has been a dream since Lesotho returned its democracy in 1993.
“The road to the future begins here, the government will continue to support initiatives aimed at creating new industries and supporting entrepreneurship as these are the key deliverables of the National Strategic Development Plan,” Matekane noted.
He further stated that it was his belief that in the next five years, Lesotho will be having local businesses exporting goods and services internationally.
He concluded by urging the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lesotho to stop fighting and work together for the betterment of Lesotho.
“The silo mentality should be a thing of the past. We have wasted our time fighting instead of harnessing the energy to build a sustainable economy,” Matekane concluded.
