\By: Mpho Shelile
Thaba-Bosiu –To foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among the youth, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lesotho hosts a comprehensive STEAM Bootcamp for 202 participants. The initiative aims to equip young Basotho with essential skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) while driving economic growth by nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit across various sectors.
The bootcamp, held under the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future,” attracted a diverse group of participants, including aspiring entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and young professionals from across Lesotho. The week-long program focuses on exposing participants to the multifaceted world of business and entrepreneurship through a blend of lectures, hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and interactive group activities.
Miss Rethabile Shale, representing the Entrepreneurs Network, highlights the program’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs with critical business skills. “Our goal is to create a robust curriculum that provides participants with a deep understanding of key concepts in entrepreneurship, business management, product development, and innovation,” she says. The curriculum featured sessions led by renowned local and international experts, covering critical topics such as business model development, financial literacy, digital marketing, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and innovation.
Hon. Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Science, Communications, and Technology (MISCT), emphasizes the significant value of the training beyond the cash prize in her speech. She highlights that participants would benefit substantially from the experience, noting that their pitching sessions will be broadcasted live, providing them with widespread exposure and an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to a broader audience.
Hon. Moorosi underscores the critical role of innovation in economic development, stating, “Innovation is the backbone of every economy. Almost every economically stable country owes its stability to manufacturing and the ability to innovate.” She stresses that fostering innovation is a priority for the Ministry of Communications, as it drives economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness on the global stage.
She also extends her gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its continued support to the Government of Lesotho. Hon. Moorosi acknowledges UNDP’s partnership in advancing Lesotho’s development goals, particularly in the areas of technology and innovation, saying, “We deeply appreciate the UNDP for walking this journey with us and supporting our efforts to build a stronger, more innovative economy.”
A significant aspect of the bootcamp was its emphasis on STEAM principles, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into the learning modules. Participants were introduced to a range of technical skills vital for developing innovative business solutions in today’s digital economy. Sessions on design thinking and creative problem-solving encouraged them to think outside the box and explore unconventional approaches to business challenges.
The bootcamp also features specialized workshops on emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, designed to equip participants with the knowledge to develop forward-thinking solutions and stay competitive in a rapidly changing global market.
Recognizing the importance of networking and collaboration in achieving business success, UNDP facilitated numerous networking opportunities throughout the bootcamp. Participants engaged with seasoned entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors, fostering relationships that could help them advance in their entrepreneurial journey.
Dr. Jacqueline Olweya, UNDP Lesotho Resident Representative, emphasizes the importance of aligning business goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She acknowledges the significant progress made since the launch of the STEAM initiative last year in collaboration with the MISCT.
“The journey has been transformational,” says Dr. Olweya. “When we started in 2023, we received about 600 applications. Just a year later, we have around 1,944 submissions, thanks to the support from the Ministry.” She also highlights the expansion in age diversity, noting that while last year’s participants ranged from 16 to 35, this year, the bootcamp opened its doors to older applicants, with the oldest participant being 84 years old.
She further notes a positive shift in gender representation, with female participation increasing from 37% last year to 43% this year. “This is significant because globally, female representation in the STEAM fields is around 33%,” Dr. Olweya remarks. She congratulates the 202 participants selected from the 1,944 applicants, stating, “You should be proud of yourselves, being chosen from such a large pool indicates the potential for your ideas to make a significant impact on this country.”
Throughout the bootcamp, participants received mentorship from a wide range of experts, including successful entrepreneurs, business strategists, and financial advisors. These mentors provided invaluable guidance on developing business plans, understanding market needs, navigating the funding landscape, and building a resilient entrepreneurial mindset.
Additionally, the bootcamp encourages participants to leverage their unique backgrounds and experiences to create culturally relevant and innovative products and services. By integrating local knowledge with modern technology and business practices, participants were empowered to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of their communities.
The UNDP STEAM Bootcamp serves as a gateway for young Basotho to access future opportunities. Participants who demonstrated exceptional potential will be offered further training, mentorship, and support, including access to incubators and accelerators to help turn their ideas into viable businesses.
This initiative is part of UNDP’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in Lesotho. By providing access to quality education, skills training, and mentorship, UNDP aims to build a generation of young leaders capable of driving innovation and contributing significantly to the country’s socio-economic development.
The STEAM Bootcamp reflects UNDP’s broader vision for sustainable development in Lesotho. By equipping the youth with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks, the program seeks to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that will propel Lesotho towards a more prosperous and inclusive future.
In the words of Dr. Olweya, “Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and by investing in our youth today, we are securing a brighter tomorrow for Lesotho.”