Minister Mokhethi Shelile Urges Entrepreneurs in Leribe to Formalise Businesses for Sustainable Growth

Entrepreneurship continues to play a central role in strengthening local economies, particularly in communities where small businesses provide essential goods, services and employment. Recognising this importance, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Honourable Mokhethi Shelile, addressed entrepreneurs and community members during the MTIBD Road Show held in Leribe. The event brought together aspiring business owners, established entrepreneurs and local stakeholders who share a common interest in economic growth and business development. The gathering served as a platform for government representatives to interact directly with the business community and discuss opportunities available for entrepreneurs. During his address, the Minister stressed the need for local enterprises to formalise their operations through proper registration in order to unlock greater opportunities for growth and stability.

Honourable Mokhethi Shelile highlighted that many promising businesses remain limited in their growth because they operate informally and do not benefit from the advantages that come with formal registration. He explained that registering a business provides entrepreneurs with legal recognition and credibility, which allows them to access financial support, government programmes and partnerships with larger companies. The Minister noted that formalisation also helps businesses operate within a regulated environment that protects both entrepreneurs and consumers. By encouraging business owners to formalise their operations, the government aims to create a structured and reliable business sector that contributes more effectively to national development. He emphasised that small businesses are not only sources of income for families but also key drivers of economic activity in towns and rural communities.

During the engagement, the Minister also spoke about the role of government in building an environment that supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. He stated that government institutions must ensure that policies, systems and services are designed to help businesses grow rather than create barriers. According to the Minister, improving access to information, financial services and technical support remains a priority for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development. By working closely with entrepreneurs, the Ministry aims to identify challenges that business owners face and develop solutions that respond to real conditions on the ground. The Minister made it clear that economic progress requires cooperation between government and the private sector, with each playing an active role in strengthening the national economy.

Entrepreneurs attending the Road Show were encouraged to make full use of the services offered by the Ministry, which are specifically designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These services include assistance with company registration, business advisory support and guidance on regulatory compliance. The Ministry also provides programmes that help entrepreneurs improve business management skills, strengthen financial planning and expand their market opportunities. By accessing these services, entrepreneurs can build stronger and more resilient businesses that are capable of competing in a changing economic environment. The Minister explained that empowering MSMEs remains one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities across the country.

The MTIBD Road Show in Leribe forms part of a broader national initiative aimed at bringing government services closer to communities. Many entrepreneurs in rural areas often struggle to access support because services are concentrated in urban centres. Through these outreach programmes, the Ministry ensures that entrepreneurs in all regions receive the information and assistance they need to succeed. The Road Show allows business owners to ask questions, receive guidance and connect directly with officials who can help them navigate the business environment. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive economic development that reaches entrepreneurs in every part of the country.

As the event concluded, the message delivered by Honourable Mokhethi Shelile remained clear and focused on the future of local enterprise development. Business registration and formalisation were presented as essential steps toward building sustainable companies that can grow, employ more people and contribute to the national economy. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development continues to expand its efforts to support entrepreneurs and ensure that small businesses receive the attention they deserve. By bringing services closer to the people and encouraging entrepreneurs to take advantage of available support programmes, the government aims to strengthen the foundation of the country’s business sector. With continued collaboration between government and entrepreneurs, communities like Leribe can become vibrant centres of economic activity and opportunity.