By Seleoe Nonyane
In a few months’ time Basotho will have the opportunity to sell their products at a store specifically established for them. The store will be named Made in Lesotho Co-operative (MILCO).
MLICO is the proposed chain-store that will sell only Lesotho products and services. It will be a three in one; a physical store, online store and a wholesaler. The store will be located at Sefika Complex in Maseru.
The cooperative is legally registered and will be incubated under the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Innovation Hub.
The establishment of the cooperative was persuaded by the number of Basotho who produce products and services in Lesotho but have not fully been recognised as available products and services.
One of the organisers, ‘Makoena Lesiea, said they are aware that there are a lot of Basotho who already produce good products. However, their products are not on the market due to high competition.
Therefore, the cooperative is aimed at showcasing Basotho products to the Market all while enhancing and adding value to them.
“We will assist Basotho by helping them see that their products reach the market while advising for production of quality and standardization for consumers.
“We will help them with branding, packaging and testing as we have a laboratory at NUL and qualified experts,” Lesiea said.
