…celebrates tech entrepreneurship programme’s first cohort
Moroke Sekoboto
VODACOM Lesotho has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing local tech start-ups and helping them grow into sustainable, thriving enterprises.
The telecommunications giant yesterday celebrated a landmark achievement at Vodacom Park in Maseru — the graduation of the first cohort from its Tech Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme, known as the Software Factory Hub.
The graduates include Digital Business Consultancy, Teq Solutions, Essential Galeria, Peiso Media Group, and NexaDeep.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a rigorous six-month programme designed to cultivate a new generation of Basotho tech leaders.
Vodacom Lesotho Chief Executive Officer, Mohale Ralebitso, said the Software Factory Hub is a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to developing a vibrant digital ecosystem in Lesotho.
He said the initiative empowers local tech start-ups with advanced software development skills, expertise in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and essential business management knowledge.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation’s Board of Trustees for ensuring the Foundation’s commitment to our purpose of connecting for a better future. The Software Factory Hub is a living example of this purpose in action,” Mr Ralebitso said.
“As Lesotho reshapes its national priorities, collaborative efforts like this are essential for producing outcomes that position our nation on the global stage. To the graduating developers and their companies, I urge you to bring quality and competence to solve our country’s most pressing problems. Spread your wings, work in partnerships, and continue to innovate.”
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Science, Technology and Innovation, Kanono Ramashamole, lauded the initiative as a critical step towards national progress.
“Today’s graduation is a significant milestone for the nation. It directly reflects our mandate to build a digitally empowered future for all Basotho,” Mr Ramashamole said.
He added that the graduates represent highly skilled human capital that will drive Lesotho’s digital transformation agenda.
“This programme ensures no one is left behind, supporting both digital skills development and the growth of digital businesses. We are committed to creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment where such innovation can thrive and contribute to creating jobs, answering the Prime Minister’s call to address youth unemployment.”
For his part, Head of the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, Tšepo Ntaopane, said the Software Factory Hub was inspired by the need to reduce the company’s reliance on external technology providers.
“We realised it was time to invest in-country, to develop local talent to serve our needs and the needs of the country. The results are already speaking for themselves — through the work of these graduates on a localised ‘Please Call Me’ solution, we have achieved a 60 percent cost saving,” Mr Ntaopane said.
“This is just the beginning. Our goal is to generate sustainable employment, and in the next phase, we will partner with the Prime Minister’s Sebabatso Programme.”
The graduates’ final projects showcased their capabilities, producing market-ready digital solutions that are already being integrated into Vodacom’s operations and the broader economy.
Digital Business Consultancy developed a localised “Please Call Me” USSD solution for Vodacom Lesotho, delivering significant operational efficiencies.
Teq Solutions created an innovative events ticketing mini-app, now live on the M-Pesa Super App, simplifying ticket sales for organisers.
Essential Galeria built an interactive streaming platform for the Lesotho National Broadcasting Service (LNBS), allowing global audiences to access national broadcasts online.
NexaDeep developed Customer Data Connect, a tool enabling customers to track their mobile usage and transaction history.
Peiso Media Group created a self-service WhatsApp chatbot that facilitates Vodacom customer service and supports direct product sales in the hospitality industry.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Retšelisitsoe Mathebeng of Essential Galeria said the programme empowered them to tackle real-world challenges through technology.
“Our immediate focus is now on developing projects that directly advance Lesotho’s digital future.
We envision immense potential to create value, generate employment, and firmly establish Lesotho as a leading hub for world-class digital product development,” Mr Mathebeng said.
Vodacom Lesotho also revealed that it was already planning the next phase of the programme as part of its broader digital skills development agenda, including the Digital Skills Hub — an online learning platform offering globally recognised certification in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
