Hopeful dawn for job-desperate youth
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – In a progressive move to combat youth unemployment and poverty, Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation (BEDCO), Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) launched their shared initiative called Bacha Entrepreneurship Project (BEP) designed to empower young Basotho with entrepreneurial skills.
This public-private partnership aims to provide young entrepreneurs aged 21 to 35 who have completed their LGCSE with financial support, mentorship, and business development services, enabling them to establish and grow sustainable enterprises.
Applications for assistance are open from June 3 to July 24. The partners have collectively committed M1.4 million towards this year’s project.
Acting Head of Marketing at Standard Lesotho Bank and SLB Marketing Manager for Communications and Sponsorships, Manyathela Kheleli, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with both confidence and tools to succeed in business.
He said the BEP initiative plays an important role in creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“This partnership creates a ground for job creation, a big intervention because people get to support their families and can change their standard of living and those of people around them. The success of their businesses can address the issue of high unemployment rate in the country,” Kheleli stated.
On behalf of RSL, Pheello Mphana, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations emphasised that with RSL’s core mission being to mobilize revenue for national development, they understand that revenue does not grow in isolation hence they are proud to partner with Standard Lesotho Bank and BEDCO in “this bold and forward thinking corporate social investment initiative.”
“With this project we are providing seed funding to ambitious young entrepreneurs with viable business ideas. We invest not only in business but in dreams, we commit to unlocking potential of our young people as drivers of economic change and job creation,” Mphana emphasised.
Moreover, with BEDCO’s mission of establishing, grow and promoting viable and sustainable SMMEs and its vision of progressive and sustainable organization positively impacting the socio-economic development of Lesotho, ‘Mamahapela Mokuoane, Senior Manager of Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, and Stakeholder Relations at BEDCO, highlighted the significance of BEP as a transformative force in youth development.
“We as BEDCO we ensure that we coordinate activities that implement this project which includes mentorship services to business that will be incubated under the project for three years,” Mokuoane explained, adding that chances of a business to survive after three years of incubation are reasonably high.
Since its inception in 2014, the Bacha Entrepreneurship Project has invested over M10 million, supported 33 youth-led businesses, and created more than 180 employment opportunities across the country.
The project has proven to be a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, demonstrating the potential of youth-led entrepreneurship in driving sustainable development.
Successful applicants will receive not only funding but also access to a robust support ecosystem, including mentorship, business training, and ongoing development support from all three partner organizations.
BEDCO urges all eligible youth to seize the opportunity to transform their ideas into viable businesses that can uplift their communities and contribute to Lesotho’s economic growth.
The Bacha Entrepreneurship Project 2025 is more than a funding opportunity; it is a strategic investment in the future of Lesotho.
At a time when the country faces growing economic challenges, this initiative represents a proactive step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy.
By targeting young Basotho with the vision and passion to create change, the project addresses not only unemployment and poverty but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurial leadership.
