Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, has emphasised his ministry’s critical role in job creation, saying it carries the highest employment targets following directives from the Prime Minister.
He made these remarks over the weekend during site visits to six local companies: Thethana in Ha Masana, Mofoka Agri Project at Ha Mofoka, MED-iQ Nutraceuticals at Mohalalitoe, Molhen Paper Solutions, Gifted Hands at Sea Point, and Best Print at Metcash.
The visits were meant to highlight tangible progress in job creation, youth empowerment, and economic transformation — key pillars of the government’s development agenda.
The Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility (LEHSFF) has so far supported three cohorts.
The second and third cohorts alone comprise 100 enterprises, with a total investment of M12,916,680. These businesses were selected through a rigorous, merit-based process after demonstrating strong potential to create sustainable employment opportunities and contribute to accelerated economic growth.
During the tour, Mr Shelile expressed his admiration for the innovative projects showcasing Basotho ingenuity, such as transforming traditional plants into medicinal pills and modernising Seshoeshoe fashion.
He stressed that these companies not only employ locals but also play a vital role in reducing Lesotho’s high unemployment rate. He further pointed to ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs through initiatives like LEHSFF under CAFI.
“Plans include providing post-incubation support to help these businesses thrive,” Mr Shelile said.
To further boost local industries, he instructed the LNDC Chief Executive Officer to explore incorporating 200-square-metre structures into the upcoming budget for potential cottage industries.
“I encourage the youth to register their companies, as government support is available through a planned M400 million initiative aimed at empowering Basotho entrepreneurs,” he added.
Molhen Paper Solutions Managing Director, Makhala Hassen, said her company manufactures packaging bags, particularly paper bags, as an initiative to fight plastic pollution while offering affordable alternatives.
“The journey started back in 2022 after we won Seed Capital through the Seed Competition. Since then, we have been developing our products and introducing them to the market,” Ms Hassen said.
She added that the company has employed more than 13 young people as part of its contribution to fighting unemployment. Their biggest challenge, however, remains limited workspace, and they aim to expand production in the future.
Co-founder and Operations Manager of Thethana, Malerotholi Maseribane, explained that their company manufactures women’s clothing, lifestyle products such as bags, cushions, and T-shirts — all made from Seshoeshoe fabric.
“Our mandate since we started in 2018 has been to showcase to the international market how Lesotho can take pride in its cultural heritage while venturing into the fashion industry,” Ms Maseribane said.