Twenty young innovators and entrepreneurs from Lesotho will tomorrow embark on ajourney to Kigali, Rwanda, to participate in the Youth Connekt Africa (YCA) 2024 Summit.
The summit is scheduled for November 8 – 10 2024 and will bring together youth from across Africa to showcase their innovations, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful networking opportunities.
A statement from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) says this group of 20 youth, comprising 10 innovators from the Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative and 10 entrepreneurs were officially announced at the Sebabatso Conference held in Maseru during the first week of October.
The UNDP has pledged to sponsor the delegation of 20 youth which is almost double those sponsored in 2023 which was 12 youth, underscoring its commitment to empowering Lesotho’s young leaders.
“This year’s participation holds particular significance, as Lesotho was recently registered as the 33rd member of YCA.
According to UNDP, the Prime Minister, Sam Matekane launched the Lesotho National Chapter of YCA on October 11th, 2024, marking a new era for youth empowerment in the country.
The YCA Summit provides a unique platform for African youth to present their innovations on a global stage, interact with peers, and explore partnerships that will fuel their entrepreneurial growth.
Lesotho’s delegation reflects the country’s dedication to nurturing youth-driven solutions and advancing innovation for sustainable development.
“During the summit, the youth will engage with their counterparts from across the continent, reinforcing Lesotho’s growing presence within the African innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. Their participation serves as a testament to the nation’s investment in the potential of its youth to drive meaningful change and contribute to Africa’s future,” UNDP said.
