Prime Minister Matekane Engages Lesotho Youth in National Dialogue on Unemployment

Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane is meeting with young people in Maseru today in a landmark National Youth Dialogue focused on tackling youth unemployment. The event, held under the theme “OUR VOICE MATTERS: YOUTH LEADING THE CONVERSATION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES”, has brought together hundreds of Basotho youth eager to shape the future of Lesotho’s workforce.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the high turnout and said his administration is in attendance to listen and learn from the young people. “We are here to hear your voices and understand how best we can work together to solve the unemployment crisis,” he said.

Unemployment has long been a pressing issue in Lesotho, but the Prime Minister underscored that the situation has now reached emergency levels. He revealed that the Disaster Management Authority has officially declared youth unemployment a national crisis, requiring urgent and strategic interventions.

In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Matekane revealed that the Cabinet has approved the removal of registration fees for small and medium enterprises. Additionally, all tender application documents will now be free, eliminating key financial barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Every Mosotho now has the right and freedom to start any kind of business,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

He also spotlighted youth-centered programmes such as the SEBABATSO initiative and the monthly Basotho Flea Market, both aimed at creating opportunities for young people to showcase their talents, products, and services. “Innovation, entrepreneurship, and unity are the building blocks of a prosperous Lesotho,” he said, encouraging active participation and idea-sharing among the youth.

Joining the Prime Minister at the event, Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Honourable Pitso Lesaoana reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment. He encouraged young attendees to fully engage in the dialogue, saying, “This platform belongs to you, and we are here to support your ideas and ambitions.”

Youth representative Tebello Mokoena spoke on behalf of young people across the country. In his heartfelt remarks, he emphasised that Basotho youth are brimming with ideas and a strong will to drive national change. “Despite the difficulties, we still have hope. We are hopeful that this government will walk with us in our mission to fight unemployment,” he said.

The dialogue marks a significant step toward aligning government policies with the needs and voices of the younger generation. As Lesotho moves forward, today’s conversation could well be the beginning of long-term, youth-driven economic transformation.