Young Basotho Entrepreneurs Sechaba Phangoa and Thakane Mahase Showcase Innovation at FAO’s From Seeds to Foods Exhibition in Rome

Young Basotho entrepreneurs Sechaba Phangoa of TEQ Solutions and Thakane Mahase of NutriRosa Animal Feed Supplements are bringing attention to Lesotho’s growing potential for innovation and entrepreneurship through their participation in the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) From Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome, Italy. Their presence at the exhibition highlights the importance of creating opportunities for young people to present their ideas, products and businesses on international platforms. It also reflects the potential of local entrepreneurship to contribute to agricultural development, food systems and economic growth. By showcasing their respective ventures, the two entrepreneurs represent the creativity and ambition of young Basotho seeking to develop solutions that respond to practical needs. Their participation provides an opportunity to draw attention to the role that youth-led enterprises can play in strengthening Lesotho’s economy and connecting local innovation with wider global discussions.

The FAO’s From Seeds to Foods exhibition provides a context for exploring the different stages involved in producing food, from agricultural inputs and seed systems to farming, processing and the products that reach consumers. These stages are closely connected, as the success of food production depends on several factors, including access to suitable resources, effective production methods, animal health and efficient supply chains. Events that bring together people working across these areas can encourage discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and food systems. For young entrepreneurs, such platforms can also offer opportunities to introduce their businesses to new audiences and learn about developments in their respective industries. The participation of Basotho innovators in this setting draws attention to the value of supporting homegrown businesses as part of broader efforts to strengthen food production and economic resilience.

Sechaba Phangoa, representing TEQ Solutions, brings a business perspective to the exhibition through his participation as a young Basotho entrepreneur. The presence of businesses such as TEQ Solutions at international events can help highlight the diversity of entrepreneurial activity emerging from Lesotho. Young business leaders often have an important role in identifying gaps in the market, developing practical ideas and exploring ways to improve how products and services reach their intended users. International exhibitions can provide opportunities to introduce business concepts, exchange knowledge and establish professional connections that may support future growth. Although the specific products and services presented by TEQ Solutions have not been detailed in the available information, Phangoa’s participation places his enterprise among the Basotho businesses gaining visibility through this international gathering.

Thakane Mahase of NutriRosa Animal Feed Supplements represents another area of business activity connected to agriculture and livestock production. Animal feed supplements can play a role in livestock nutrition by helping address particular dietary requirements when formulated and used appropriately. Livestock production is important to many rural communities because animals can contribute to household livelihoods, food supplies and income generation. The quality and availability of animal nutrition products can therefore be relevant to farmers seeking to manage their livestock effectively. Mahase’s participation at the exhibition provides an opportunity to bring attention to a Lesotho-based enterprise operating in the animal feed supplement sector. Further information about NutriRosa’s products, formulations and business activities would be needed to assess the specific benefits the company offers to livestock farmers.

The participation of entrepreneurs like Phangoa and Mahase also highlights the importance of youth entrepreneurship in Lesotho. Young people can contribute to economic development by establishing businesses that respond to local needs, create employment and develop new markets. However, building a successful enterprise often requires more than a good idea. Entrepreneurs may need access to financing, technical knowledge, reliable suppliers, business networks and customers who understand the value of their products. International exhibitions can help create opportunities for exposure and professional exchange, although participation alone does not guarantee investment or commercial partnerships. Supporting young entrepreneurs before and after such events can help them turn the visibility gained into stronger business relationships and sustainable growth.

Agriculture remains an important area for innovation because food production depends on a wide range of interconnected activities. Farmers require suitable seeds, healthy soil, reliable access to water, appropriate production methods and effective ways to manage pests and diseases. Livestock producers also need sound animal health practices, adequate nutrition and access to relevant agricultural services. Businesses that develop products or services for these needs can help strengthen the wider agricultural value chain when their offerings are practical, reliable and accessible. The presence of a company focused on animal feed supplements at a food systems exhibition illustrates how livestock nutrition can form part of broader discussions about agricultural productivity. It also reinforces the importance of encouraging local enterprises to develop solutions that reflect the needs of farmers and rural communities.

International platforms can help young Basotho entrepreneurs learn from developments in other markets and better understand the demands of operating beyond their home country. Exhibitions create opportunities to observe new approaches, discuss common challenges and engage with people from different professional backgrounds. These exchanges can help business owners identify areas where they may improve product development, marketing, packaging or distribution. They may also provide insight into quality standards and customer expectations in markets beyond Lesotho. For agricultural businesses, understanding these requirements can be particularly important because products must meet relevant safety, quality and regulatory standards before entering new markets. The value of international participation therefore extends beyond showcasing a business, as it can also contribute to learning and longer-term business planning.

The exhibition also draws attention to the relationship between entrepreneurship and food security. Food security depends on the availability of sufficient food, people’s ability to access it and the stability of food supplies over time. Strong agricultural businesses can contribute to these objectives by supporting production, improving access to relevant inputs and helping connect producers with markets. However, the impact of any individual enterprise depends on the nature of its products, the needs it addresses and how effectively it operates. Supporting innovation across agriculture, livestock production and food processing can help diversify economic activity and create opportunities for local communities. For Lesotho, encouraging young entrepreneurs to participate in these areas could form part of wider efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and build a more resilient economy.

The involvement of Basotho entrepreneurs in international exhibitions also highlights the need for continued support from institutions that promote business development, agriculture and youth empowerment. Entrepreneurs can benefit from training, mentorship, accessible financing and assistance with understanding market requirements. They may also need support to establish partnerships with distributors, agricultural organisations and potential customers. These forms of assistance can help businesses move from small-scale operations towards more sustainable enterprises. In sectors connected to agriculture and livestock, collaboration with technical experts can also help ensure that products meet appropriate standards and respond to genuine production needs. A supportive business environment can therefore make it easier for young people to develop their ideas, expand their operations and contribute to national economic development.

The participation of Sechaba Phangoa of TEQ Solutions and Thakane Mahase of NutriRosa Animal Feed Supplements at the FAO’s From Seeds to Foods exhibition in Rome, Italy, highlights the importance of giving young Basotho entrepreneurs opportunities to engage with international audiences. Their presence draws attention to the range of business interests represented by emerging entrepreneurs from Lesotho, including enterprises connected to innovation and animal nutrition. It also reinforces the value of connecting local business development with wider conversations about agriculture, food systems and sustainable livelihoods. While the long-term outcomes of their participation remain to be established, international exposure can provide a useful starting point for learning, networking and exploring future opportunities. Continued investment in youth-led enterprises will be important in helping Basotho entrepreneurs transform their ideas into sustainable businesses that contribute to employment, agricultural development and the growth of Lesotho’s economy.