Matekane champions youth as nation’s greatest asset
MOSA MAOENG
MASERU – In a powerful address that resonated with hope and determination, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has unequivocally declared the Sebabatso Initiative as Lesotho’s foundational beacon for youth empowerment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the opening of a pivotal 5-day conference this week, the prime minister framed the initiative not merely as a government program, but as a national movement crucial for securing the country’s future.
Since his ascent to office in 2022, Prime Minister Matekane, a successful entrepreneur himself, has placed youth development at the very core of his administration’s agenda. Recognizing the crippling effects of youth unemployment and the untapped potential of Basotho youth, his government has consistently pursued policies and partnerships aimed at creating an enabling environment for young innovators and business owners.
The Sebabatso Initiative, launched in 2023, stands as the flagship of this unwavering quest, born from a campaign promise to transform the nation’s youth from job seekers into job creators and drivers of economic growth.
“The Sebabatso initiative was born out of a promise to empower our youth, to unlock their potential, and to create pathways for sustainable development,” Matekane told attendees.
“It is a movement that brings together young minds from across Lesotho – the dreamers, the builders, the future leaders. It is a platform where ideas become enterprises, and where innovation meets opportunity.”
The prime minister articulated a vision where the future of Lesotho is built not solely on its natural resources, but on the creativity and intellectual capital of its young people. He detailed how Sebabatso has grown from an idea into a robust national platform that nurtures talent, fosters entrepreneurship, and, critically, connects Basotho youth to continental networks and opportunities.
“Through Sebabatso, we have witnessed countless Basotho break barriers, enter new markets, and achieve things once thought impossible,” he stated, highlighting the initiative’s role in providing grants, mentorship and business incubation.
The STEAM Competition
A central pillar of the initiative is its focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The 2025 conference seamlessly integrated a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) week, showcasing the tangible outcomes of this focus.
The second day featured a dynamic STEAM competition, where shortlisted innovators pitched their ventures to a panel of experts, competing for recognition and support.
This emphasis on STEAM is strategic, designed to position Basotho youth at the forefront of the global digital and technological economy. The competition, which will see 20 participants awarded at the week’s end, is a direct investment in equipping the next generation with the skills and support to drive economic development through high-impact, knowledge-based enterprises.
The conference floor buzzed with this potential. Khotso Motlomelo, Managing Director of Makhuzos, a biltong and butchery establishment in Ha Mabote, presented his business, founded to address limited access to quality meat and youth unemployment. He requested financial assistance for equipment scaling, including a M100 000 biltong dryer and a M400 000 chiller truck.
Similarly, ‘Manamile Mokeke, founder of Divas Cottage Cheese Spread in Ha ‘Mantšebo, presented her unique venture as Lesotho’s sole producer of cheese spread and cheese sauce. She sought an industrial cheese mixer worth M90 000 to scale production and meet the supply demands of future clients like Pic ‘n Pay and the Avani Hotel Group.
These presentations embodied the practical, solution-driven entrepreneurship that Sebabatso aims to cultivate.
UNDP’s unwavering support
The initiative’s credibility and reach have been significantly amplified through a strong partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Jacqueline Olweya, UNDP Resident Representative, echoed the prime minister’s sentiments, calling Sebabatso a “bold and timely response” to Lesotho’s urgent challenges.
“While we respect the global saying that ‘youth are the leaders of tomorrow’; we strongly believe and add our own saying that ‘youth are the architects of today’s solutions to mitigate world challenges’,” Olweya stated, powerfully reframing the role of young people from future leaders to present-day problem-solvers.
She provided concrete data on the initiative’s massive reach, revealing that an open call for applications had garnered an “overwhelming” response – a testament to the vibrancy of Lesotho’s youth. Over 3 000 applications were received from all 10 districts, from which the 300 most promising innovations and enterprises were selected for an intensive boot camp.
This process honed their business acumen and built powerful networks, serving as a critical launch-pad for their journeys.
Olweya ended with a firm commitment: “Our commitment as the UNDP to youth empowerment is unwavering, rooted in the belief that the innovative spirit and energy of young people are essential for Lesotho to achieve its development aspirations.”
A nation’s future, forged by its youth
The Sebabatso Initiative, under the leadership of Prime Minister Matekane and with the steadfast support of partners like UNDP, represents more than economic policy; it is a national philosophy. It is the recognition that the nation’s future lies not only in its policies but in the creativity, courage, and capacity of its people.
The word “Sebabatso” itself – Sesotho for ‘amazing beauty’ – evokes a sense of celebration and wonder. This initiative is a call to action to lift one another up, to recognize excellence, and to spark the collective imagination of a nation.
By betting on its youth, Lesotho is not just investing in individual businesses – it is architecting its own prosperous and self-reliant future, built on innovation, driven by entrepreneurship and empowered by a belief in the boundless potential of every young Mosotho.
