Moroke Sekoboto
THE Bacha Entrepreneurship Project (BEP) has grown beyond being just a funding initiative into a platform where ideas are nurtured, potential is recognised, and the future of Lesotho’s economy is being reshaped by young innovators with bold ambitions.
This according to Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) Acting Commissioner, Rakokoana Makoa, who said the five youth-led businesses awarded approximately M200 000 each reflect not only achievement, but the courage it takes to start, persist, and build ventures that serve both communities and the country.
The five were awarded at an event held at Victory Hall on Thursday.
BEP is a collaborative initiative of the RSL, the Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO) and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB).
Speaking at the BEP award ceremony, Mr Makoa said the platform has brought together partners, supporters and dreamers who share one goal: empowering Basotho enterprises to thrive.
“With the addition of the 11th cohort, BEP has now supported 38 businesses, each representing hope, determination and progress,” Mr Makoa said.
“Through collective effort, the project has invested M10.4 million in seed capital, generated over 200 jobs, and maintained an admirable 71% success rate.”
Although 11 of the supported businesses have closed, Mr Makoa said even those experiences have provided valuable lessons that continue to strengthen the project’s support systems.
He further highlighted that these achievements reflect both the resilience of local entrepreneurs and the value of intentional, well-structured empowerment. Mr Makoa praised the collaboration between RSL, SLB and BEDCO, saying their dedication has ensured that funded businesses receive guidance, monitoring and the financial stewardship needed for growth.
“By supporting entrepreneurship, Lesotho is strengthening the foundation of its economy, widening the tax base sustainably, and contributing to long-term national development.”
He encouraged the awardees to approach this opportunity with discipline, creativity and persistence, adding that BEP represents possibility, partnership and progress.
SLB Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Keketso Makara, described youth unemployment as one of Africa’s biggest socio-economic challenges. Citing African Development Bank statistics, he said more than one-third of African youths remain unemployed, with some countries recording rates exceeding 50%.
He said this reality reflects aspirations deferred, talents untapped and potential lying dormant. African youths, he added, are not a burden but the continent’s greatest asset—its innovators, creators, digital natives, agriculture disruptors and future builders. The challenge, he emphasised, lies not in the size of the youth population but in the size of opportunities created for them.
“Here in Lesotho, the government continues to roll out interventions such as the Youth Apprentice Programme and Sebabatso. BEP winners represent more than individual success stories; they symbolise hope, a new generation of business leaders and the future of Basotho entrepreneurship,” Mr Makara said.
He added that SLB does not take lightly the trust placed in it by partners and beneficiaries, and remains committed to supporting the young entrepreneurs throughout their incubation phase by offering advisory services, financial guidance and a dedicated support team.
This year’s five funded enterprises are 90 Degrees Restaurant by Molebatsi Rampine from Botha-Bothe; Nutri Rosa Pty Ltd by Mahase Thakane from Berea; Fungi Farms by Mahloko Reithabetse from Maseru; Kiddies Pre-School by Jafeta Rosalea from Mafeteng; and Letata Vegetable Farm by Letata ‘Mamotsamai from Botha-Bothe.