…Palesa Moiloa soars with support from Econet and Higherlife Foundation 

Moroke Sekoboto 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS powerhouse Econet Telecom Lesotho, through its sister organisation, Higherlife Foundation, has once again illuminated the path of opportunity — this time through the inspiring story of 19-year-old Palesa Moiloa, who yesterday boarded a plane from Maseru to Beirut, Lebanon, marking the start of a remarkable new chapter that continues to inspire hope across Lesotho. 

Her destination is the prestigious American University of Beirut (AUB), where she will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialisation in Mechatronics.  

Her mission is to pioneer affordable, locally produced prosthetics and bring world-class STEM innovation back home. 

Humble beginnings 

Ms Moiloa’s path to this moment was neither ordinary nor accidental. Raised in Qoaling, Phomolong, in a Christian family of two daughters, with both parents as primary school teachers, her curiosity sparked early.  

She was the family’s self-taught “mechanic,” fixing kettles and stoves long before she could solve a differential equation. 

At Lesotho High School, she surprised many by choosing Design and Technology — a subject largely dominated by male students — over the more traditional ladies’ favourite like Food and Nutrition. 

Her brilliance shone when she ranked fifth nationally in her LGCSE exams, earning her a place at the STAR Leadership Academy in 2022. It was there, and later at the African Leadership Academy (ALA), that her leadership, research, and advocacy skills flourished. 

From winning the Best Societal Impact Award for her groundbreaking research on 3D-printed recycled plastic prosthetics, to representing her school in Abu Dhabi, Ms Moiloa embraced every opportunity with courage and humility. 

A dream fuelled by opportunity 

“Higherlife Foundation and Econet Telecom Lesotho literally changed my world,” Ms Moiloa said. 

“They became catalysts to a dream that for many would seem far-fetched – supporting one of Lesotho’s first female mechatronics engineers. They opened the doors to the STAR Leadership Academy and ALA, giving me tools, networks, and a vision far bigger than myself.” 

For her, this is more than a personal victory — it is a step towards transforming lives in Lesotho. 

“My dream is to create a STEM innovation hub for young Basotho, particularly girls, and to develop renewable energy solutions for rural communities,” she said. 

Inspiring the next generation 

Ms Moiloa also offered words of encouragement to other young Basotho. 

“Your gender does not define your capacity to solve problems, build machines, or lead in STEM. Dare to dream beyond what your environment tells you is possible and chase that vision with discipline and courage.” 

As she leaves Lesotho for Lebanon, Ms Moiloa carries not just her suitcase but also the hopes of a nation and the proud support of Econet, Higherlife Foundation, her family, and mentors. Her journey is proof that with the right opportunities, belief, and perseverance, Basotho talent can shine on the world stage.