Turning job seekers into job creators
Moeketsi Motšosi
For many years, the formula for success in Lesotho seemed straightforward: get an education, find employment, build a career, and support a family. Today, however, the realities of our economy tell a different story. While education remains an important foundation for success, the availability of formal employment has not kept pace with the growing aspirations of our young people. As a result, entrepreneurship is no longer simply an alternative path. It has become an essential pillar of Lesotho’s economic future.
At a time when economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and limited employment opportunities continue to affect families across the country, the need for a new generation of business owners has never been greater. The future prosperity of Lesotho will depend not only on creating jobs, but also on empowering young Basotho to create them.
A Changing Economic Reality
The modern economy demands a different mindset from previous generations. Governments alone cannot employ everyone, nor can large businesses absorb the growing number of young people entering the labour market each year. The reality is that sustainable economic growth requires a thriving private sector supported by innovative entrepreneurs.
This shift should not be viewed as a crisis, but as an opportunity. Around the world, small businesses have become engines of economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Lesotho is no exception. Every successful business, regardless of size, contributes to economic activity by generating income, creating employment opportunities, and supporting local communities.
The challenge before us is therefore not simply how to reduce unemployment. It is how to cultivate a generation that sees opportunities where others see obstacles.
Entrepreneurship Is about solving problems
Entrepreneurship is often misunderstood. Many people assume that starting a business requires substantial capital, influential connections, or extraordinary talent. In reality, entrepreneurship begins with identifying a problem and finding a practical solution.
Across Lesotho, opportunities exist in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, transport, retail, renewable energy, construction, and professional services. Every community has unmet needs waiting for innovative solutions.
The entrepreneur is not necessarily the person with the most resources. Often, it is the person with the vision to recognise an opportunity and the determination to pursue it.
The next generation of Basotho entrepreneurs has the potential to transform local challenges into economic opportunities. Whether it is improving food production, developing digital services, creating local products, or expanding tourism offerings, young entrepreneurs can help unlock economic value that currently remains untapped.
Why youth entrepreneurship matters
Young people bring qualities that every economy needs: energy, creativity, ambition, and a willingness to embrace change. They are often the first to adopt new technologies, explore emerging industries, and challenge outdated ways of doing things.
When young people start businesses, they do more than generate income for themselves. They create opportunities for others. They employ workers, support suppliers, pay taxes, and stimulate local economies.
A successful business can change the trajectory of an entire family. Multiple successful businesses can change the trajectory of an entire community.
This is why investing in youth entrepreneurship should not be viewed as a social programme but as an economic strategy.
Preventing the loss of talent
One of the greatest challenges facing Lesotho is the departure of talented and ambitious young people in search of opportunities elsewhere. Many young Basotho possess valuable skills, strong educational backgrounds, and entrepreneurial potential. Yet too often, they believe their aspirations can only be realised outside the country.
There is nothing wrong with seeking opportunities beyond our borders. However, Lesotho cannot afford a future in which its most talented citizens consistently look elsewhere for success.
The solution is not to prevent people from leaving. The solution is to create an environment where staying becomes equally attractive.
Young people are more likely to build their futures in Lesotho when they have access to opportunities, markets, capital, mentorship, and support. A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem can provide those opportunities while contributing to national development.
How technology can transform basotho businesses
Technology has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate. It has also levelled the playing field for entrepreneurs in smaller economies.
Today, a young entrepreneur in Maseru can sell products online, provide services to international clients, market a business through social media, manage finances digitally, and access global knowledge from a mobile phone.
Technology removes many of the barriers that previously limited business growth. A small enterprise can now reach customers far beyond its immediate location. Farmers can access market information more efficiently. Artisans can promote their products online. Consultants can work with clients across borders. Young innovators can create digital products that serve regional and international markets.
The digital economy offers Lesotho a unique advantage because success is increasingly determined by knowledge, innovation, and adaptability rather than geography.
If leveraged properly, technology can help Basotho businesses become more competitive, productive, and resilient.
The role of government
Government has a critical role to play in creating an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish.
First, policymakers should simplify business registration and reduce unnecessary administrative barriers. Starting a business should be straightforward rather than intimidating.
Second, greater access to finance is essential. Many promising business ideas never progress because aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to secure startup capital. Government-backed financing programmes, loan guarantees, and youth enterprise funds can help bridge this gap.
Third, entrepreneurship education should be incorporated into schools, vocational institutions, and universities. Young people need practical skills such as business planning, financial management, marketing, and digital literacy.
Fourth, public procurement policies should provide greater opportunities for youth-owned businesses to participate in government contracts. This would create immediate markets for emerging enterprises while supporting local economic development.
Finally, investment in digital infrastructure, roads, and reliable utilities remains crucial. Entrepreneurs cannot succeed if essential business infrastructure is lacking.
The role of the private sector
The private sector must also become a more active partner in developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Established companies can mentor young business owners by sharing expertise, networks, and industry knowledge. Such mentorship often proves more valuable than financial support alone.
Businesses can also create supplier development programmes that integrate small enterprises into larger value chains. Rather than viewing small businesses as competitors, larger organisations should see them as potential partners.
Financial institutions have an important responsibility to develop products tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs. Flexible financing solutions, business advisory services, and innovative lending models can help unlock entrepreneurial potential.
Corporate investment in entrepreneurship incubators, training programmes, and innovation hubs would further strengthen the country’s business ecosystem.
The success of youth-owned businesses should be viewed as a shared national objective rather than an individual pursuit.
Building the future we want
The future of Lesotho will not be built solely through government policies or foreign investment. It will also be shaped by thousands of determined individuals who choose to take risks, solve problems, and create opportunities.
The next generation of Basotho entrepreneurs represents more than a source of business activity. They represent the possibility of a more diversified economy, more resilient communities, and greater prosperity for future generations.
If we truly want to address unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and create meaningful opportunities for our youth, entrepreneurship must move from the margins of our national conversation to the centre of it.
The entrepreneurs of tomorrow are already among us. The question is whether we will give them the support, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Because in investing in Basotho entrepreneurs, we are ultimately investing in the future of Lesotho itself.
