Sebabatso Programme Drives Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Lesotho

The Sebabatso Programme is emerging as one of Lesotho’s most important youth empowerment initiatives, designed to equip young people with practical skills, funding opportunities, and innovation tools to build sustainable businesses. A live information session hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho introduced students and young entrepreneurs to the programme and its long term impact on business development. The session took place at Sebopi Unipod at Lerotholi Polytechnic and attracted participants eager to understand how they can access support for their business ideas. The initiative is focused on young people aged between 16 and 35, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation driven growth. It also reflects the government’s broader commitment to addressing youth unemployment through practical and scalable solutions.

Launched in August 2023 during Youth Day celebrations by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, the Sebabatso Programme was created to support young innovators and entrepreneurs across Lesotho. The programme provides mentorship, structured entrepreneurship training, funding opportunities, and innovation support designed to help young businesses grow into competitive enterprises. It also aims to attract investors from different countries by showcasing the creativity and potential of Basotho youth. Since its launch, the initiative has expanded significantly, reaching more young people across the country than initially anticipated. What started with around 100 participants has grown into a national platform for youth driven innovation and enterprise development.

Speaking during the information session, Enterprise Development Leader Ms Lintle Rabolinyane highlighted the rapid growth and impact of the programme since its inception. She explained that Sebabatso has become a key driver of youth empowerment in Lesotho, with a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and business sustainability. According to her, more than 90 young entrepreneurs have already received funding through the programme, enabling them to launch or expand their businesses. She also noted that over 300 permanent jobs have been created through enterprises supported by Sebabatso, demonstrating its growing economic impact. These outcomes show that the programme is not only theoretical but actively contributing to job creation and economic participation among young people.

The structure of the Sebabatso Programme is designed to identify high potential business ideas through a competitive selection process. According to UNDP Programme Specialist Ms Neo Matsoso, applicants go through a rigorous pitching system where the top 300 participants are selected to attend an intensive business boot camp. This boot camp is aimed at strengthening their ideas and preparing them for real market conditions. Participants receive training on sustainability, market identification, and how to develop a strong unique selling point that sets their businesses apart from competitors. The process is designed to ensure that only viable, innovative, and impactful business ideas progress to the next stage of support.

Ms Matsoso further explained that the pitching process plays a critical role in shaping young entrepreneurs into market ready business owners. Participants are required to clearly define their target markets and demonstrate real demand for their products or services. They must also show how their businesses contribute to job creation and economic development. Judges evaluate submissions based on innovation, impact, sustainability, and originality, ensuring that selected ideas have strong growth potential. This rigorous evaluation process helps maintain the quality of businesses supported by the programme while encouraging participants to think critically about their business models.

For many young participants, the Sebabatso Programme represents a gateway to new opportunities in entrepreneurship and technology. One participant, Ms Puseletso Ramothae, shared her excitement about the initiative and how it aligns with her ambition of building a technology based career. She expressed strong interest in participating in the programme, noting that it offers a pathway to develop her skills and turn her ideas into a sustainable business. She also mentioned that she was eager to learn more about business sustainability and long term success strategies. Her experience reflects the curiosity and motivation that many young people have as they discover opportunities within the programme.

Ms Ramothae also explained that she only learned about the Sebabatso Programme after seeing a Facebook post advertising the live question and answer session at Lerotholi Polytechnic. This moment motivated her to attend and explore the opportunities available for young entrepreneurs. Her story highlights the importance of accessible information and outreach in ensuring that young people are aware of national empowerment initiatives. It also shows how digital platforms play a key role in connecting youth to development programmes. For many participants, such exposure can be the first step toward building successful business ventures.

Beyond individual success stories, the Sebabatso Programme is also strengthening international youth collaboration and positioning Lesotho within broader innovation networks. By connecting young entrepreneurs to global opportunities, the programme helps them understand international markets and prepares them to compete beyond national borders. This exposure is essential for building businesses that can scale and attract foreign investment. Organisers believe that such initiatives are key to transforming Lesotho’s youth into globally competitive entrepreneurs. It also enhances knowledge sharing and innovation exchange between young people from different countries.

The broader goal of the Sebabatso Programme is to address youth unemployment while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and self reliance. By providing mentorship, training, and financial support, the initiative empowers young Basotho to turn ideas into viable businesses that contribute to national development. It also encourages creativity and problem solving, which are essential skills in today’s evolving economic landscape. Through continuous support and structured development pathways, the programme helps young entrepreneurs build sustainable enterprises that can survive in competitive markets. This approach ensures that youth empowerment is not only immediate but also long lasting.

The Sebabatso Programme continues to grow as a leading model for youth entrepreneurship and innovation in Lesotho. Its impact is already visible through job creation, business development, and increased participation of young people in economic activities. With strong support from government and international partners like UNDP Lesotho, the initiative is creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. It is also helping young people gain confidence, skills, and access to networks that are essential for success in business. As more young Basotho engage with the programme, it is expected to play an even greater role in shaping the country’s economic future and building a resilient, innovation driven youth economy.