SMMEs empowered during Africa Day celebrations

In celebration of Africa Day, First National Bank (FNB) Lesotho, in collaboration with the Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO), hosted a special event on Saturday in Mohale’s Hoek to empower and showcase the work of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs and MSMEs) across the country.

FNB Lesotho CEO Delekazi Mokebe underscored the significance of May 25, which marks the historic formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. The organisation was changed to African Union (AU).

“Africa Day is a momentous occasion, and as part of the AU, Lesotho joins the rest of the continent in celebrating. At FNB, guided by our slogan ‘How can we help you?’, we chose to support SMMEs and MSMEs by giving them a platform to showcase their products,” Mokebe said.

She noted that empowering local businesses remains central to FNB’s mission.
“We take the responsibility of helping these businesses grow seriously. When they thrive, they contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” she added.

BEDCO interim CEO Tŝepang Tlali echoed Mokebe’s remarks, citing that supporting small and medium enterprises is at the heart of BEDCO’s mandate.

“It is thanks to FNB Lesotho’s commitment to business development that BEDCO was invited to collaborate. Our shared goal is to ensure Basotho entrepreneurs gain access to markets and platforms to display their products,” Tlali said.

He highlighted the tangible benefits of such initiatives, pointing to previous successes.
“Just last year, one of our product showcases generated around M5,000 in sales. While it may seem modest, it is a sign of progress,” he indicated.

Tlali also stressed the need to translate visibility into financial growth. “It’s not just about displaying products; it’s about converting exposure into sales and ensuring money flows into these businesses and, by extension, the economy.”

He added that real success is measured when entrepreneurs leave events with new customers and tangible sales.

The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, who also attended, encouraged entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by low sales.

“Even if some entrepreneurs leave without making sales, they should not be disheartened. What’s important is that they are now visible and recognised for producing market-ready goods,” Shelile said.

He further urged businesses to explore national support initiatives.
“I encourage all businesses here to learn more about the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project and other efforts underway to support entrepreneurs,” he added.

Officials from The Entrepreneurs Network and the Lesotho National Development Corporation were also present to show their support for the event.