📍 Manthabiseng Convention Centre, Maseru – 18 June 2025
In a historic move, Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has officially declared youth unemployment a national disaster, unveiling sweeping reforms to empower young entrepreneurs and tackle Lesotho’s job crisis head-on.
Held under the theme “Our Voice Matters: Youth Leading the Conversation on Employment Opportunities and Challenges,” the National Dialogue on Youth Unemployment united hundreds of Basotho youth, government officials, and key stakeholders to strategize a way forward.
🔑 Key Announcements from the Prime Minister
1️⃣ SME Registration Fees Abolished
Startups and small businesses no longer need to pay registration fees, removing barriers to formalization.
✔️ Tender documents are now free—youth-owned businesses can bid on government contracts without financial hurdles.
2️⃣ 40% Procurement Quota for Youth-Owned Businesses
All government ministries must reserve 40% of procurement opportunities for youth-led enterprises.
🗣️ PM Matekane emphasized: “This is not just policy—it’s action. Ministers must comply immediately.”
3️⃣ Review of Sub-Lease Requirements
Stringent business registration rules, including the sub-lease mandate, will be eased to support informal and home-based businesses.
4️⃣ Expansion of Youth Employment Programs
Major youth empowerment initiatives were highlighted, including:
🔹 The SEBABATSO program – A platform for youth innovation and entrepreneurship.
🔹 Basotho Flea Market (held monthly) – A space for youth-led enterprises to showcase and sell products.
🎙️ PM Matekane urged young people to participate: “Your ideas will shape Lesotho’s future.”
🚀 A Turning Point for Lesotho’s Youth
🔹 With youth unemployment at crisis levels (nearly 50%), these reforms mark a critical shift from rhetoric to tangible action.
🔹 Government-backed job creation programs now offer 6,000 jobs in road works, 8,350 in waste management, 1,220 in tree-planting, plus new roles in energy, agriculture, and the National Volunteer Corps.
🔹 Critics and youth activists caution that bold promises must be matched with effective implementation and accountability.
📌 What This Means for Job Seekers & Entrepreneurs
✔️ Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Register your business for free and bid on tenders without financial restrictions.
✔️ Job Seekers: Public works projects, agriculture, and energy sectors now have expanded opportunities.
✔️ Youth Innovators: Explore SEBABATSO and Basotho Flea Market to network, showcase skills, and connect with funding.
💡 Want to stay ahead? MosebetsiHub keeps you updated on:
📢 Tender openings & SME support listings
📢 Youth empowerment events
📢 Freelance & gig opportunities in emerging industries
🔥 The Call to Action: This Is YOUR Time to Lead
With these ambitious reforms, youth have unprecedented access to government-backed initiatives. But the true test lies in execution.
💭 Will these promises deliver lasting impact? The answer depends on action, innovation, and partnership—and Basotho youth are stepping up.
Stay tuned to MosebetsiHub for updates on opportunities, programs, and how YOU can shape your future!
#YouthEmpowerment #JobCreation #LesothoRising #Sebabatso
