Ntsoaki Kholumo Honored for Exceptional Selection in African Development Bank Internship Program

The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the African Union proudly congratulates Ms. Ntsoaki Kholumo on her remarkable selection as one of the top candidates across Africa for a prestigious internship programme with the African Development Bank. This achievement highlights the skill, dedication, and potential of Basotho youth to excel on continental and global stages. Ms. Kholumo’s success reflects both personal perseverance and the broader talent pool in Lesotho, signaling that the nation’s young professionals are ready to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development agenda. Her accomplishment brings pride not only to her family and community but also to the Kingdom of Lesotho, reinforcing the importance of nurturing youth leadership as a key driver of national and continental progress. Recognition of such milestones encourages other young people to aim high and engage actively in opportunities that shape both personal and societal futures.

H.E. Ambassador Ntsiuoa Sekete, Lesotho’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, commended Ms. Kholumo’s achievement and emphasized its broader significance. He stated that her success is a testament to the excellence, intellect, and determination that Basotho youth bring to every platform they access. Ambassador Sekete expressed the Mission’s pride and noted that her accomplishment inspires a new generation to pursue ambitious goals. He also highlighted the strategic importance of youth participation in continental institutions, pointing out that such opportunities contribute to personal development while strengthening Lesotho’s representation within Africa’s decision-making structures. By celebrating Ms. Kholumo, the Mission affirms that investing in young talent yields tangible benefits for both individuals and the nation.

The Ambassador encouraged young people across Lesotho to actively seek similar opportunities, noting that institutions like the African Development Bank continue to offer pathways for leadership and professional growth. With over 40 internship slots available for Session 2 of the 2026 programme, youth have a timely chance to gain hands-on experience and engage directly with Africa’s development agenda. Participation equips interns with practical skills, exposure to international practices, and networking opportunities that are invaluable for career growth. Ambassador Sekete emphasized that these experiences also enhance Lesotho’s visibility and influence within continental institutions, ensuring that the nation’s perspectives are represented in key development initiatives. His call to action reinforces the message that Basotho youth can shape both their futures and the trajectory of the continent through ambition and persistence.

Ms. Kholumo’s journey serves as a powerful example of resilience and dedication. A recent Master of Science in Economics graduate, she has demonstrated her commitment to international trade, regional integration, and development policy. She is a two-time winner of the SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay competitions and currently interns at the African Development Bank in the Regional Integration and Coordination office in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Her story underscores that setbacks, including multiple unsuccessful applications, are part of the pathway to success. By persisting and maintaining focus, she achieved a position that places her among Africa’s top emerging professionals. Her experience provides a roadmap for other Basotho youth, showing that determination and strategic effort can open doors to prestigious continental platforms.

Ms. Kholumo encourages young people of Lesotho to embrace challenges, pursue their ambitions beyond borders, and believe in their capacity to represent the nation globally. She emphasizes that rejection is not an endpoint but a step toward greater opportunities, and that persistence and hard work yield meaningful results. Her message is both motivational and practical, urging youth to engage actively in shaping Lesotho’s future through education, professional development, and participation in international platforms. By sharing her journey, she inspires confidence in young Basotho to step forward, seize opportunities, and contribute to Africa’s development while advancing their own careers.

The Permanent Mission of Lesotho extends its best wishes to Ms. Kholumo as she embarks on this transformative internship. Her success is a beacon of possibility, illustrating the heights Basotho youth can reach with determination and skill. The Mission encourages other young professionals to draw inspiration from her achievement and to actively seek platforms that enhance their expertise and impact. By highlighting her journey, the Mission reinforces a culture of ambition, resilience, and leadership among Lesotho’s youth. Ms. Kholumo’s accomplishment is a milestone that strengthens national pride, promotes youth development, and exemplifies the potential of Lesotho on continental and global stages.