The Principal Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Pokello Mahlomola, has emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to job creation, highlighting the importance of addressing the country’s growing unemployment crisis. In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Mahlomola reaffirmed the Ministry’s focus on exploring and implementing new strategic approaches to creating sustainable job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Unemployment has long been one of the most pressing challenges facing Lesotho, and according to Mr. Mahlomola, it remains a central concern for the government. He pointed out that youth unemployment, in particular, continues to be a significant issue, with many young people struggling to find stable employment. The challenges of unemployment were further underlined in the 2025/26 fiscal budget, which highlighted the critical need for effective strategies to tackle this problem.
Mr. Mahlomola explained that the Ministry of Tourism is actively exploring innovative solutions that could generate more job opportunities within the tourism sector. Tourism, he noted, has the potential to become a key driver of economic growth and job creation, and his Ministry is working towards developing initiatives that would tap into the sector’s full potential.
The PS emphasized that the Ministry’s approach would involve both short-term and long-term strategies to create jobs and enhance the skills of the workforce, particularly among young people. These efforts will include skills development programs, support for tourism-related businesses, and initiatives that promote Lesotho as an attractive tourist destination.
The tourism sector in Lesotho has significant untapped potential, from its natural landscapes and cultural heritage to its growing appeal as an adventure tourism destination. Mr. Mahlomola highlighted that by focusing on sustainable tourism development, the Ministry hopes to not only boost employment but also contribute to the overall economic stability of the country.
As part of the ongoing commitment to job creation, the Ministry of Tourism plans to collaborate with other government sectors, private enterprises, and local communities to implement these initiatives effectively. By working together, Mr. Mahlomola believes that the tourism sector can play a pivotal role in reducing unemployment and improving the livelihoods of many Basotho, particularly the youth.
