Summit targets Lesotho’s jobs crisis

The National Business Summit Lesotho (NBSL) 2025 will take place on September 13, offering a platform to empower entrepreneurs, tackle youth unemployment, and drive inclusive economic growth.

Convener and event leader, Tumelo Ramafikeng, says the summit is designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and practical business success.

She noted that youth unemployment has reached crisis levels in Lesotho and must be treated as a state of emergency.

“Our Basotho people, especially the youth, have immense potential. But many lack the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Entrepreneurship is our strongest weapon against this unemployment dinosaur,” Ramafikeng said.

According to Ramafikeng, the inspiration behind the summit stems from a pressing need to create a pipeline where knowledge meets practical experience.

The conference will gather entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and investors under one roof to share strategies, tools, and networks that can transform ideas and existing ventures into sustainable enterprises.

She explained that entrepreneurs often struggle with limited access to information, mentorship, and networks, hence the upcoming summit is about removing those barriers. It is also about creating a collaborative space where seasoned business leaders and young innovators learn from each other.

The event will focus on helping businesses overcome challenges such as scaling operations, accessing finance, and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Ramafikeng highlighted that the summit is not a once-off event, but part of a broader vision to build a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lesotho.

“Collaboration is central. Established businesses must partner with SMEs to build supplier linkages, share resources, and co-create opportunities. SMEs themselves can work collectively by pooling resources through joint marketing, shared distribution, and consortiums. This multiplies impact and creates jobs,” she said.

One of the summit’s central pillars is mentorship. Ramafikeng said structured mentorship can dramatically shorten the learning curve for new entrepreneurs by exposing them to tried-and-tested lessons.

“Our goal with this summit is to connect emerging entrepreneurs with potential mentors who can guide them, not only on technical aspects, but also on resilience, leadership, and navigating uncertainty,” she pointed out.

Ramafikeng believes the youth must shift their focus from seeking employment to creating jobs. This requires:

• Equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills and access to capital.
• Encouraging innovation in high-growth sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy.
• Establishing incubators and accelerators to guide youth-owned businesses from idea stage to market readiness.

“This approach does more than create jobs for youth; it sparks opportunities for others. The summit will drive this shift in mindset and help build an ecosystem where entrepreneurship thrives,” she indicated.

Ramafikeng also urged policymakers to prioritise entrepreneurship by easing business registration, cutting red tape, and creating incentives for small business growth.

She said business leaders must play their part too: “Mentorship, investment, and partnerships are critical. We need a shared national agenda where government and private sector work together to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

She added that innovation must also extend to non-traditional industries such as technology, creative industries, and green energy. Building export-oriented value chains is another priority, moving Lesotho away from raw material exports toward diversified, value-added production.

The event is not intended to end when the delegates leave the room. Ramafikeng said the summit will launch follow-up programmes such as mentorship platforms, business clinics, and networks to ensure lessons are implemented long after the conference.

“We want this summit to spark real entrepreneurial action. By aligning knowledge, experience, and resources, it will foster partnerships that lead to tangible businesses and sustainable jobs,” she stated.

In conclusion, Ramafikeng emphasised that the National Business Summit Lesotho 2025 is about more than just dialogue. It is about cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship, equipping youth with the know-how, and building long-term partnerships that will power Lesotho’s economic growth.

“By turning potential into action, we can lay the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable economy. This summit is a call to ignite self-reliance and innovation, to build a future where young people create opportunities instead of waiting for them.”