SEBABATSO’s Visionary Leap Forward for Lesotho's Youth

 A modern tale of transformation is being written in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where King Moshoeshoe I once wove a vision of inclusiveness and unity. In October 2023, s, a visionary Prime Minister’s vanguard initiative took flight, aimed at empowering the youth of Lesotho. This initiative is SEBABATSO, which translates to 'We Grow Together', a name resonating with the core principle of inclusivity it strives to uphold.

SEBABATSO, inaugurated by The Right Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane on the 25th of October 2023, confronted an enormous adversary: the high rates of unemployment among the nation's youth, exacerbated by a challenging economic landscape. The initiative’s mission was bold and clear: to foster the growth of youth-led businesses, preparing them for investment on both national and international stages. It casts its net across vital sectors—agriculture, arts, science, technology, and tourism—employing entrepreneurship as the lever for economic transformation.

Acknowledging this untapped potential in STEAM fields, where only 2% of Lesotho’s tertiary graduates currently venture, the initiative is boldly confronting the underrepresentation of women in these fields, striving to create an inclusive and equitable environment for innovation.

The Prime Minister’s Initiative for Youth Empowerment is a visionary approach designed to overcome the economic challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, it incorporates a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy, involving collaboration with key Ministries, private sector stakeholders, civil society, and potential investors.

On the launch day, over 600 hopeful young Basotho entrepreneurs convened, eager to shape their destinies. Among them was a resilient  mother of three from Qacha's Nek, embodying the resolve that SEBABATSO sought to champion. This initiative, through its partnership with the United Nations in Lesotho, not only laid down a foundation for youth entrepreneurship but also held a mirror to the principle of leaving no one behind—asserting that dignity is fundamental and benefits of development should first reach those furthest behind.

The three-day event at ’Manthabiseng Convention Centre was not just a conference; it was a catalyst for change, sparking a movement that aimed to elevate Lesotho’s youth to new heights.

Teboho Semoli, a young entrepreneur and founder of a small dairy company, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for SEBABATSO: “Youth unemployment in Lesotho is extremely high. The government cannot employ all of us. This initiative is our lifeline, empowering us to start businesses, create jobs, and lift our communities out of poverty.”

The Prime Minister’s call for action did not fall on deaf ears. Investors, local and international, from both public and private sectors, convened to discuss and pledge their support for Basotho youth-owned businesses. Mathabo Makoko, the Lesotho Revenue Services Commissioner, highlighted the significance of such partnerships: “We have incubated youth businesses and watched them flourish, creating jobs and contributing to our nation’s prosperity.”

The SEBABATSO Initiative was not merely a response but a call to action to the youth of Lesotho, urging them to rise, innovate, and drive the nation's future. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, the UN Resident Coordinator, rightly put it, “Empowering our youth through entrepreneurship weaves a golden thread through every facet of our economy, creating jobs, boosting our GDP, and inspiring others to follow suit.”

As discussions during the SEBABATSO conference sessions unfolded, it was apparent that revamping Lesotho’s education system is integral. By integrating critical life skills, emphasizing STEAM, and making subjects like agriculture, financial literacy, and emotional intelligence mandatory, the nation could equip its youth for the challenges of the 21st century.

The conference explored challenges and opportunities in STEAM, fostering a dialogue that spanned across the African continent. It brought attention to the necessity of protecting Basotho innovations and called for a transformative approach to education, ensuring that the future generations of Lesotho are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.

SEBABATSO represents a significant step forward for Lesotho, as it works to unlock the potential of its youth and pave the way for a sustainable, prosperous future. Through this initiative, the Government of Lesotho is not just addressing the immediate issue of unemployment; it is investing in the nation's most valuable asset – its young people. As SEBABATSO gains momentum, it promises to be a beacon of hope, innovation, and economic transformation for Lesotho.