Youth to hold dialogue on economic independence

A group of young leaders will hold a youth dialogue on economic independence this coming Monday, April 28.
Speaking with theReporter, one of the youth, Kananelo Boloetsi, said the dialogue is part of a bigger campaign titled: _’Towards a Self-Sufficient Future Campaign”. It is designed to provide a structured platform for young people to voice their ideas, mobilise collective action, and influence policy at the highest levels.
Boloetsi said the youth are going to have a series of district-wide dialogues, to engage young people across Lesotho in critical discussions about economic independence, resource management, and policy reforms.
These deliberations will culminate in the development of the Independence Charter, a youth-led manifesto outlining a clear vision, strategic objectives, and actionable policies for achieving self-sufficiency.
“More than just a symbolic document, the Independence Charter will serve as a powerful political tool.
“It will guide young voters in the upcoming national elections, encouraging them to support a political party that formally adopts the Charter as its manifesto and commits to implementing its principles as government policy,” he said.
Boloetsi noted that the campaign represents a bold step towards redefining Lesotho’s future, one
driven by its youth, anchored in self-reliance, and committed to breaking free from the constraints of foreign aid.
“Young people must show up because this is the moment to shape the Lesotho we want.
“Nobody, especially the youth, is proud that our country survives on handouts. It’s frustrating. It’s embarrassing. But we have a chance to change the story.
“The dialogue gives us a chance to speak up and say exactly how we want Lesotho to be governed, so we can build a nation that stands on its own, proud and self-reliant. If we stay silent, nothing changes. But if we speak, everything can,” Boloetsi added.
The campaign has four broad objectives:
1.⁠ ⁠To empower youth voices. That is, to create spaces across Lesotho’s 10 districts for young people and the older ones who are interested to share ideas on achieving self-sufficiency.
2.⁠ ⁠To develop the Independence Charter. We will synthesise youth input into a concise, actionable document that outlines a vision, strategic objectives, and steps for a foreign aid-free Lesotho.
3.⁠ ⁠To influence political action. We want to mobilise young voters to rally behind a political party that promises and adopts the Independence Charter as its election manifesto and official policy upon winning elections.
4.⁠ ⁠To inspire national pride. To reframe self-reliance as a rejection of neo-colonialism and foster a collective sense of ownership over Lesotho’s future.