Nationwide roadshow for the youth
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – The Bacha Entrepreneurship Project (BEP) in collaboration with Revenue Services Lesotho, Standard Lesotho Bank and Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation officially launched its 2025 district roadshow on June 16 in Botha-Bothe.
This event marked the beginning of a dynamic series of engagements aimed at debunking long-standing myths and expanding opportunities for youth across all regions of Lesotho.
The kick-off was hosted at the District Administrator’s (DA) boardroom in Botha-Bothe, the launch saw a promising turnout of young people eager to learn about how they could become part of the BEP journey.
The event emphasized inclusivity and transparency in both application and selection processes, clear messages from the BEP team to counter growing public perception that the initiative favours youth from Maseru or certain privileged circles.
As an inspiring start in the north, one of the highlights of the Botha-Bothe stop was the presence of Rosalia Rafoneke, founder of Bits and Boards Interior and a 2022 BEP grant recipient.
Her powerful narrative about building a sustainable interior design business from the ground up served as a reminder that success through BEP is both possible and impactful, regardless of geographic location.
“The opportunity I received through BEP changed the course of my life and my business. It proves that your background or where you come from does not define your future,” she narrated to the crowd.
Taking the message further, Mokhotlong and Mapholaneng following the Botha-Bothe launch, the BEP team journeyed to Mokhotlong district, where they held another informative session at the DA’s boardroom.
Local youth turned out in significant numbers to receive tailored guidance on how to apply, pitch ideas, and navigate the stages of the entrepreneurship competition.
The team also set up an outdoor activation in Mapholaneng, engaging even more youth, especially those often left out of formal event spaces. These outdoor roadshows ensured that the information reaches even the most remote parts of the district.
Leribe and Maputsoe, echoes of success, a special engagement was hosted at the BEDCO Hall, featuring powerful testimonials from past BEP winners. Among them were Leloko Mothebe of Agromoth Pty Ltd, Mpho Noko of Sum Adventures and Setelekoane Tšehlahali of STKTM Solutions, known for their innovative grass brooms packaging and export work.
Each speaker underscored that the application process was open and competitive dispelling the myth that “certain names” or “connections” were needed to succeed.
“I knew no one when I applied. I just had a good idea and the determination to make it work,” said Tšehlahali.
The team also extended its engagement to Maputsoe, where they held a vibrant outdoor activation in the heart of town, encouraging passers-by and budding entrepreneurs to participate in the upcoming competition.
The roadshow wrapped up the Northern District tour in Berea, with an inspiring gathering at Thakaneng Youth Hall in Teyateyaneng, Berea.
A major highlight was the address by Kefuoe Nkuoatsana, one of the 2023 BEP winners representing Mamello Special Needs Centre. Her powerful story of building an enterprise that supports youth with disabilities was a standout moment that challenged perceptions of who qualifies for entrepreneurship support.
“Everyone has something unique to offer. BEP gave me the platform to prove that,” she said passionately.
Breaking the Maseru Myth, a core message repeated throughout the tour was that BEP is for every Mosotho youth, not just those based in the capital. The roadshow demonstrated that the project is equally invested in rural and urban entrepreneurship, with stops planned in Thaba-Tseka and Maseru, where the popular Basotho Flea Market will form part of the BEP activation experience.
By reaching out to youth in the mountains, towns, and roadside markets, BEP aims to rewrite the narrative that opportunity is centralized.
With the road ahead, the Southern districts tour kicks off, the BEP team reiterates its call, and youth from all corners of Lesotho are encouraged to apply. The application process is merit-based, inclusive, and open to all innovative and determined young Basotho.
In a country with high youth unemployment and untapped talent, the Bacha Entrepreneurship Project continues to emerge as a crucial bridge to self-sufficiency, creativity, and growth, following its 2025 roadshow motto, “It is not about where you come from. It is about what you are willing to build.”
