Lesotho Launches Youth Agency Marketplace to Boost Digital Skills and Employment

In a bid to tackle high unemployment rates, the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, in partnership with UNICEF Lesotho, launched the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) programme in Maseru on Wednesday. The initiative was launched under the theme “Empowering Youth Through Digital Opportunity and Skills Development,” highlighting its focus on equipping young people with the tools to thrive in the digital economy.

Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, emphasized that YOMA reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young Basotho through innovative digital solutions. He explained that the programme aims to bridge gaps in access to skills development, enabling youth to seize economic opportunities that were previously out of reach.

YOMA is designed to provide young people with digital training, mentorship, and access to market opportunities. By integrating technology and skills development, the programme seeks to create pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and broader economic participation.

The launch marks a significant step toward fostering youth empowerment in Lesotho. It is expected to strengthen digital literacy, enhance employability, and support young people in contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic growth. The partnership with UNICEF also ensures international best practices in youth development are embedded in the programme, offering a sustainable model for long-term impact.

Through YOMA, Lesotho is investing in the potential of its youth, equipping them with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in an increasingly digital world.