The government has officially launched a digital platform to help address youth unemployment, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Lesotho.
The Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) is designed to expand learning and livelihood opportunities for young people across Lesotho. It addresses unemployment by connecting young people to learning programmes, practical skills development, social impact projects, and entrepreneurial opportunities through private-sector partnerships.
The platform also provides alternative pathways for out-of-school youth to access training and employment.
Speaking at the launch recently, the Minister of Gender,Youth, Sports, Arts, Culture, and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, said equipping the youth with digital, entrepreneurial, and life skills enables them to contribute meaningfully to Lesotho’s social and economic growth.
Lesaoana noted that the platform aims to bridge the skills gap, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth, and preparing them for the demands of a rapidly changing job market.
“By investing in youth development, Lesotho can harness their potential to drive economic progress, improve livelihoods, and create a brighter future for the country,” he said.
UNICEF representative, Deepak Bhaskaran, stated that YOMA was established last year with the aim of advancing youth development .
He highlighted that the platform addresses the pressing issue of employment struggles among young people.
Bhaskaran explained that YOMA seeks to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and job readiness, empowering youth to access better opportunities. By fostering digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills, the platformseeks to transform the employment landscape for Lesotho’s youth.
“The initiative reflects UNICEF’s commitment to supporting youth development and promoting economic growth in Lesotho. YOMA’s progress will be crucial in shaping the country’s future workforce and driving positive change,” he added.
