…as Letlotlo turns invasive grass into bricks
Seithati Mots’oeneng
QACHA’S Nek High School learner, Liteboho Letlotlo, has been crowned the overall winner of the 2026 Spelling A Business Africa (SABA) Championships after pitching a business concept that turns an “environmental nuisance” into a construction opportunity.
Ms Letlotlo won the competition in Roma on Friday night with her “grass bricks” concept, which uses Sehalahala, an invasive grass species that has plagued grazing lands and school grounds in Lesotho’s mountain districts.
She walked away with M50,000 for winning the national title, in addition to M5000 she received after winning the Qacha’s Nek district phase earlier this year.
SABA Championships is an innovative educational initiative designed to promote business literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and innovation among young people across Africa. Originally founded to combat youth unemployment, the initiative bridges the gap between classic academic learning and real-world enterprise by requiring students to master financial terminology, build original business pitches, and problem-solving. The competition was launched in Lesotho in 2023 at the high school level by the Hololo Development Foundation (HDF). Following its massive success, it expanded in 2025/2026 into higher education institutions in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).
Ms Letlotlo said the idea was inspired by daily life at her school, where dusty, unpaved surroundings make it difficult for learners to concentrate, attend classes regularly and enjoy their school environment.
“Unlike in Maseru where schools have paved surroundings and lively environments, students in rural areas endure more than just difficult academics,” Ms Letlotlo said during her pitch.
“We also struggle with the environment we learn in. The dust affects our health and our participation in class.”
Her proposed solution is to harvest Sehalahala grass, treat it and compress it into durable, environmentally friendly building bricks.
She said the bricks could be produced using locally available materials and simple equipment, making them affordable for rural households, schools and community projects.
“I want to change the narrative for my community and nearby schools by providing bricks that are both affordable and environmentally friendly.
“We have a problem with grass that no one wants. If we can turn it into something that builds classrooms and homes, then we are solving two problems at once.”
The judges praised the concept for its practicality, scalability and social impact.
SABA organisers said Letlotlo stood out for clearly linking a local problem to a viable business model and presenting a product with the potential to create jobs in her district.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prime Minister Sam Matekane commended learners for starting their entrepreneurial journeys at a young age, saying early exposure to business gives young people room to learn, adapt and identify opportunities before life’s responsibilities become heavier.
“Business is never certain. You can start with one product and end up making money from something completely different.
“I started with buying and reselling donkeys and cows. Today I am in construction and other ventures. The business world can be ruthless, but if you start early you have time to grow, to fail, and to learn,” he said.
Mr Matekane said SABA’s work of introducing students to entrepreneurship at school level was important in planting “business seeds” early.
“Young people have minimal distractions at this stage. This is the time to think big, to be innovative, and to build something that can employ others in future,” he said.
Mr Matekane urged the young innovators to remain resilient in pursuing their ideas.
“I am proud of your innovative minds and the lucrative business ideas you have presented,” he said.
“The business field is not easy. It requires hard work, discipline and the courage to keep going when things get tough. But it is also where nations are built.”
He said his experience in business had taught him that leadership extended beyond profit, with entrepreneurs having a responsibility to shape industries and communities through vision and perseverance.
The premier was also honoured at the event with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to entrepreneurship and economic development in Lesotho and the region.
SABA organisers said the award recognised Mr Matekane’s journey from building successful enterprises to leading national and international businesses, as well as his role in inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to invest, scale and contribute to sustainable economic progress.
SABA patron Lejone Mpotjoane, the Minister of Energy and Mining, also praised the participants for presenting ideas with the potential to address some of the country’s challenges.
“We have seen proposals that address waste, agriculture, technology and housing.
“These are the kinds of ideas that can change our nation if we support them. I encourage all of you to remain creative and to pursue your ventures with determination,” Mr Mpotjoane said.
Mr Mpotjoane said the government was committed to creating an enabling environment for youth-led enterprises, particularly those that address local challenges using local resources.
The 2026 SABA competition attracted learners from all 10 districts. Participants competed at district level over the past months before advancing to the national championships.