With strong international support in the field of nutrition and the Head of State’s designation as the African Union Nutrition Champion, the 2025/26 Fiscal Budget in Lesotho has placed a strong emphasis on food security and improved nutrition. The government’s focus on these critical areas is not only aimed at enhancing the health of the population but also at fostering local entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Among the entrepreneurs contributing to this initiative is Ms. Motinyane Ntsoti, a visionary businesswoman from Khubetsoana, who has partnered with others in the community to produce an innovative organic product—prickly pear juice. This locally sourced juice, made from the nutritious prickly pear fruit, is part of a broader movement towards providing organic food options with significant health benefits.
Ms. Ntsoti explained that the juice is not only designed to offer the public a healthier, organic alternative to traditional beverages but also serves a dual purpose: to create much-needed employment in the region. “We aim to provide an organic product that supports health while also addressing the pressing issue of unemployment in our community,” Ms. Ntsoti shared.
The initiative highlights the intersection of nutrition and economic empowerment, demonstrating how local entrepreneurs are playing a critical role in advancing the goals of the country’s fiscal budget. By producing and promoting organic food products like prickly pear juice, Ms. Ntsoti and her team are helping to fulfill the national vision of improved health outcomes while simultaneously generating opportunities for job creation.
The government’s push for food security and better nutrition, alongside the efforts of individuals like Ms. Ntsoti, reflects the growing momentum towards a more self-sufficient and health-conscious society. Through initiatives such as this, Lesotho is not only addressing the nutritional needs of its people but also supporting its farmers and entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and wellness.
This entrepreneurial drive, fueled by the focus on food security in the 2025/26 Fiscal Budget, is setting the stage for more communities to engage in productive ventures that align with national objectives, contributing to a prosperous and healthier future for all Basotho.
