Lesotho Opens 2026 Applications for Prime Minister’s Vanguard Initiative Sebabatso to Empower Youth Entrepreneurs and Innovators

The Government of Lesotho, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lesotho, has officially opened applications for the 2026 cohort of the Prime Minister’s Vanguard Initiative for Youth Empowerment, widely known as Sebabatso. The programme was launched in October 2023 as a national response to rising youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities among young Basotho. It is designed to support entrepreneurship, innovation and business development across the country. The initiative focuses on helping young people turn ideas and small businesses into sustainable enterprises that can contribute to the national economy. By opening the 2026 intake, the programme continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact on youth development in Lesotho.

Sebabatso was created to remove key barriers that often prevent youth-led enterprises from growing into viable and sustainable businesses. These barriers include limited access to finance, restricted market opportunities and gaps in entrepreneurship training. The programme directly addresses these challenges by providing structured support systems that help young entrepreneurs strengthen their operations. It also encourages innovation-driven business models that can scale beyond local markets. Through this approach, Sebabatso aims to build a stronger ecosystem for youth entrepreneurship in Lesotho.

A central feature of the initiative is its focus on equipping participants with practical skills and resources that support long-term business growth. Selected applicants receive mentorship from experienced professionals who guide them through business planning, management and expansion strategies. They also gain access to business development support services that help improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. In addition, the programme connects entrepreneurs to potential markets and financial opportunities that can support scaling. This combination of mentorship and practical support is designed to improve business survival rates among young entrepreneurs.

The 2026 intake also includes the STEAM Initiative, implemented under the Sebabatso programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development and UNDP Lesotho. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics and is designed to promote innovation and creative problem-solving among young innovators. It targets individuals aged 16 and above who are developing ideas that can address real development challenges in Lesotho. The inclusion of STEAM reflects a broader shift toward integrating creativity and technology into national development strategies. It also highlights the importance of preparing young people for a rapidly changing global economy.

The STEAM component encourages applicants to develop solutions that align with the National Strategic Development Plan II and the Sustainable Development Goals. Innovators are expected to focus on sectors that have strong development potential in Lesotho, including mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, technology, health, transportation, energy and finance. This wide sectoral focus allows for diverse participation and ensures that innovation is applied across key areas of the economy. It also supports the creation of solutions that respond directly to national priorities. By linking innovation to development goals, the programme strengthens the role of youth in shaping the country’s future.

Sebabatso is specifically targeted at entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 35 who already operate businesses and need support to expand and strengthen their ventures. Applicants are encouraged to submit projects that not only grow their businesses but also contribute to national development and benefit local communities. This requirement ensures that entrepreneurship is linked to broader social and economic impact. The programme promotes responsible business practices that support job creation and community development. It also encourages participants to think beyond individual success and focus on collective progress.

The organisers have confirmed that applicants for both Sebabatso and STEAM can come from any of Lesotho’s 10 districts. The programme is open to all eligible candidates regardless of gender, background or career stage. This inclusive approach is designed to ensure equal access to opportunity and encourage participation from diverse groups across the country. It also helps to bridge geographic and social gaps in access to entrepreneurship and innovation support. By removing barriers to entry, the initiative aims to create a more balanced and inclusive development environment.

According to programme stakeholders, Sebabatso and STEAM represent more than just training and funding opportunities. They are described as a national call for young Basotho to rise, innovate and actively contribute to shaping the country’s future. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that youth are central to economic transformation and national development. By investing in their skills, ideas and businesses, the programme aims to build a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who can drive sustainable growth. The 2026 cohort continues this mission by expanding opportunities and strengthening support systems for young people across Lesotho.