By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru — In today’s rapidly evolving world, young people have an extraordinary opportunity to become change-makers in their communities. With the power of innovation, coupled with financial literacy, they can transform not just their own lives, but entire societies. This belief drives my passion for empowering youth to use technology and knowledge to address real-world challenges.
One such young innovator is Katleho Victoria Khalala, a student at the National University of Lesotho International School (NULIS). Her journey in blending entrepreneurship, technology, and financial literacy is inspiring, and it serves as a shining example of the potential youth hold in shaping the future. For Katleho, this journey has only just begun.
At the core of Katleho’s innovative work is the Pnut Microfinance Management System, a platform she created with the vision of revolutionizing how financial institutions connect with underserved communities. Through this system, she aims to bridge the significant gap between traditional financial institutions and informal savings groups often the backbone of rural economies that have historically been excluded from formal financial services.
The Pnut Microfinance Management System automates processes such as loan management, savings administration, and premium collections, allowing banks, credit unions, and community organizations to manage financial services more efficiently, securely, and at a lower cost.
What sets this system apart is its ability to serve both financial institutions and community-based organizations. For the first time, there is a unified solution that can handle small-scale loans, savings, and insurance within a single platform.
One of the most notable features is the self-insure premium management, which enables community groups to create their own insurance funds. This is especially critical in regions where traditional insurance services are either unaffordable or unavailable. By integrating with mobile payment platforms like Mpesa and Eco-Cash, the system ensures that its services are practical and usable in real-world scenarios, even in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
Katleho’s work on the Pnut system is not just an academic exercise bit is the result of a deep understanding of the challenges that many underserved communities face in accessing formal financial services. This knowledge was further enriched through her participation in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, an international platform that allows students to showcase innovative science and technology projects.
Here, Katleho’s project received widespread recognition for its creative approach to financial inclusion, culminating in the Siemens Award for Best Use of Technology. This moment was a turning point in her journey, confirming her belief that youth-led innovation can address critical global issues and make a lasting impact.
While technology forms the backbone of Katleho’s work, she believes that financial literacy is the key to unlocking broader social empowerment. Financial literacy goes beyond understanding how to manage personal finances it is about understanding the mechanisms that drive the economy, making informed decisions, and ensuring that individuals and communities can thrive in the modern world.
Through her work and advocacy, Katleho has observed first-hand how a lack of financial knowledge can hinder progress, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children. In many communities, the absence of financial education creates a cycle of poverty and inequality, which is difficult to break. By raising awareness about financial education, especially among young people, Katleho hopes to break this cycle. She believes that by learning the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit, youth can make more informed decisions, improve their financial well-being, and contribute to the broader sustainability of their communities.
Her involvement at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) event was another defining experience. During this event, she engaged with major organizations such as Metropolitan Lesotho, Standard Bank Lesotho, and DSTV, which highlighted the interconnection between financial literacy and other vital issues, such as gender equality and children’s rights. When young people are financially literate, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves, navigate economic challenges, and break free from cycles of dependence and poverty.
Being a young innovator comes with its own set of challenges. Katleho’s journey was no exception. Juggling academic responsibilities with her project work required not just time management but also immense dedication and adaptability. Developing a project of such scale and complexity while maintaining her studies meant that Katleho had to be strategic about how she used her time.
She learned to balance urgent school assignments with long hours of refining her microfinance system. Early mornings became dedicated to research, and afternoons to academic commitments. She also discovered a unique way to combine thinking time with daily responsibilities at home. While doing chores like washing dishes or cleaning, Katleho would mentally process research, brainstorm new ideas, and plan the next steps for her project. This ability to stay focused and adapt to unexpected obstacles was a skill she honed over time and found invaluable in both her academic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Perhaps one of the most frustrating challenges Katleho faced was inconsistent communication from her school regarding information for the Eskom Expo. Instead of allowing this setback to derail her, Katleho became proactive. She took the initiative to regularly check in with her teachers and built a network of fellow students. This enabled her to stay on top of deadlines, adjust her expectations, and continue to make progress on her project, even when things didn’t go as planned.
These obstacles taught Katleho critical lessons in resilience and adaptability. The journey of innovation is rarely linear, and overcoming setbacks has only strengthened her resolve to continue pursuing her goals.
Reflecting on her experience at the Eskom Young Scientists International Expo, Katleho shared that it was a transformative moment in her life. “It was inspiring to see young people from diverse backgrounds come together to share ideas, collaborate, and contribute solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges,” she said. “It reinforced my belief that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is not just about theoretical knowledge, but about using that knowledge to improve lives and make a tangible impact.”
Katleho believes that the future belongs to those who dare to ask questions, take risks, and explore new ideas. Whether it is through financial technology, renewable energy, healthcare innovations, or social entrepreneurship, youth-led innovation can drive meaningful change. The key, she says, is to stay curious, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of youth to make a difference.
Looking to the future, Katleho is excited to continue developing her current project and expanding its reach to more communities. She is focused on collaborating with local organizations to gather real-world data, refine the platform, and make her solution more accessible and impactful for a broader range of people.
Moreover, Katleho plans to explore new project ideas that tackle other community challenges, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and social equity.
One of her ultimate goals is to give back by mentoring the next generation of young scientists and innovators. “Just as I received guidance from mentors like Mr. Lira Teboho Victor Khalala, I hope to inspire others by sharing my experiences and knowledge,” she says.
“To my fellow young people, I urge you to explore your passions and think critically about the challenges in your communities,” Katleho advises. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take that first step toward creating change. The world needs fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and your unique perspectives. There is space for everyone to contribute, whether you are interested in technology, business, social issues, or anything else.”
She adds, “Start by understanding the power of financial literacy in your own life. Educate yourself on how money works, and share that knowledge with others. Financial freedom is an essential foundation for personal empowerment and social progress.”