Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Leads Youth Entrepreneurs to Huawei Studios in Johannesburg for AI Business Exploration

Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane is leading a team of 15 promising youth entrepreneurs on an educational visit to Huawei Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa. The group, selected through the Sebabatso project, departed Lesotho on Friday with a mission to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to advance their businesses and discover potential collaboration opportunities with Huawei.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the Prime Minister encouraged the young entrepreneurs to embrace this learning opportunity and apply the knowledge to grow their ventures. He praised their efforts and urged them to remain committed to innovation and excellence, stressing that their success is vital for the economic future of Lesotho.

UNDP Representative Dr. Jacqueline Olweya commended the Prime Minister for his steadfast support of Basotho youth through the Sebabatso initiative. She highlighted the project’s role in creating international opportunities for young entrepreneurs, enabling them to market their businesses and compete on a global stage.

Dr. Olweya noted that the selection process was highly competitive, with 99 applications received from across the country. After a transparent and thorough evaluation, 15 candidates were chosen to represent all districts of Lesotho, ensuring broad national representation.

The young entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to bring back valuable insights and skills to strengthen their businesses. They emphasized their commitment to sharing the knowledge gained with peers and communities to foster wider economic growth and job creation.

The visit to Huawei Studios offers the youth a chance to engage with cutting-edge AI technologies and explore how digital solutions can drive business innovation. It also opens doors for potential partnerships and mentorship with Huawei, a global leader in ICT and smart technology.

Meanwhile, the Sebabatso project continues its efforts to empower young entrepreneurs through ongoing activities. Roadshows are currently being held in three regions of the country to reach even more aspiring business owners. Additionally, the project has learned that some Basotho youth are also traveling to China to acquire further skills in the business industry.

Through initiatives like this, Lesotho is taking proactive steps to build a digitally savvy and globally competitive generation of entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister’s leadership in championing youth empowerment and innovation remains a driving force behind this transformative journey.