Lesotho, US forge AI future
New digital programme launched for youth enterprises
MOSA MAOENG
MASERU – In a landmark move to propel Lesotho into the digital economy, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, in partnership with the United States Embassy in Maseru and the American Corner, has officially launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills Development Programme.
Unveiled on Monday this week at the American Corner Maseru, this initiative represents the country’s first-ever digital entrepreneurship training specifically designed to integrate e-commerce and advanced AI tools for business practitioners.
The programme marks a significant expansion of the Sebabatso Initiative, the prime minister’s flagship youth empowerment project. Launched in October 2023 by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, Sebabatso was created to tackle the daunting challenge of youth unemployment by nurturing young innovators and entrepreneurs.
Traditionally focusing on boot camps and seed capital, the initiative has already made substantial strides.
According to Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, the Sebabatso ecosystem has generated over M21 million in revenue over three years, creating 383 jobs across more than 50 supported companies. The new AI programme aims to accelerate this growth by providing advanced digital tools to these promising business owners.
The launch event highlighted a pivotal moment for Lesotho, as the nation seeks to position itself within the global AI revolution. Speaking at the launch, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Thomas Hines, noted that the world is currently witnessing a “profound transformation” in how business is conducted. He emphasized that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day bridge connecting local enterprise to global markets.
“We are not preparing for the future; we are building it together,” Hines stated. He outlined that the curriculum would teach participants how to use AI-powered tools once reserved for large corporations. These include generating compelling marketing content, analyzing customer data, automating routine tasks, and translating products for international audiences using platforms like Shopify.
This digital push comes as Lesotho solidifies its national tech strategy. Recent reports from the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) confirm that the government has successfully approved a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. Furthermore, at the 8th African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, Lesotho advanced a framework for AI-ready data management, signalling a proactive approach to becoming a player in the continental digital economy.
Minister Lesaoana acknowledged the dual nature of AI, cautioning that while it can do harm, “if we can take the good part of it, we can transform businesses.”
The three-day intensive training brings together alumni of the Sebabatso boot camps, selecting advanced practitioners who have already proven their mettle. Among the participants is ‘Makelebone Thamae, founder of Bohlokoa Products, a manufacturer of reusable sanitary pads.
She told the Lesotho News Agency that the training is critical for overcoming current barriers. “AI has the potential to reduce costs associated with marketing, transportation and labour while making it easier for local products to gain visibility,” Thamae said, noting that while her business currently generates 10 percent of sales online, AI could help source raw materials and secure international payments.
The initiative is also supported by the Prime Minister’s Office, with Press Attaché, Thapelo Mabote, reinforcing that the government’s goal is to see the private sector – not just the civil service – lead job creation.
“The prime minister’s vision is seeing the private sector lead in job creation,” Mabote said, adding that the 43 000 jobs recently referenced in government statistics are a direct result of grooming entrepreneurs rather than expanding the public payroll.
As the training commenced, Chargé d’Affaires Hines encouraged Lesotho to look beyond immediate business applications, suggesting the country could eventually leverage its energy resources to become a hub for data centres supporting the global AI industry. For now, the focus remains on practical application.
The US Embassy has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this digital transformation, viewing entrepreneurship and technology as the most viable pathways to economic empowerment in the mountain kingdom.
“We believe that entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and technology-enabled businesses will play an increasingly important role in creating jobs,” Hines concluded. “As these entrepreneurs succeed – and they will succeed – they will create jobs, inspire others, and contribute to Lesotho’s economic growth in measurable ways.”
