By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The National University of Lesotho (NUL), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair, hosted the second Annual Business Roundtable under the theme “Empowering Women to Bridge Opportunities and Break Barriers to International Trade”.
The event, held in Maseru, brought together stakeholders from government, academia, private sector, and civil society to explore solutions for advancing women’s participation in global trade.
Sponsored by the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), the roundtable provided a platform for dynamic discussions aimed at creating a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. It underscored strategies to unlock international trade opportunities and dismantle structural barriers hindering women’s success in the global marketplace.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Tebello Mahase, Manager of Research and Development at RSL, highlighted the transformative potential of empowering women in trade. She emphasized that equitable access to international markets is crucial for driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development.
“Women are pivotal to the economic development of any country. However, they continue to face significant obstacles in accessing international markets. It is our collective responsibility to break these barriers and create equitable opportunities,” said Mahase.
She further stressed the need for institutional reform to ensure the timely implementation of trade laws and the establishment of safe trading platforms for women and girls. She also called for programs to educate boys on gender equality and support, fostering a culture of mutual respect and inclusivity from an early age.
Ms. Lerato Mphaka, a trade and technology expert, encouraged women entrepreneurs to embrace digital tools and platforms to scale their businesses. “Technology is the new frontier for trade. Platforms like Unayo, Mpesa, and EcoCash have revolutionized business operations. It is time for women to harness the power of social media to promote and sell their products,” she said.
She also introduced the concept of generative AI, urging participants to explore its potential in streamlining business processes, enhancing marketing efforts, and optimizing trade strategies.
Representing Competitive and Financial Inclusion (CAFI), Ms. Ntshepeng Tšita Tikiso underscored the importance of women supporting each other in the business landscape. “Business is challenging, especially for women, who often have to work twice as hard to succeed. Initiatives like CAFI are designed to create opportunities for women and youth to thrive,” said Tikiso.
Tikiso shared details of a horticulture initiative under CAFI that has successfully capacitated 2 farms in Mahobong for citrus fruit production, with plans to expand to 15 additional farms. She noted that Lesotho’s apples rival global standards, creating lucrative opportunities for local farmers to supply retail giants like Shoprite and Pick n Pay and even venture into exports.
She also emphasized the importance of financial literacy and record-keeping for entrepreneurs, encouraging them to track every transaction meticulously, whether through cash, Mpesa, or EcoCash.
Entrepreneurs shared personal experiences, with Ms. Matiti Trish Kabi founder of Horticulture Cannabis, an agro-processor, recounting the challenges of navigating the cannabis trade, including financial constraints, quality assurance issues, and regulatory delays. She cited outdated laws like “Molao oa Lerotholi”, which affected her progress after her husband’s death.
Similarly, Ms. Makhoboso Shale founder of Eternity Foods highlighted the lack of financial support from the government, while other participants pointed to tax burdens and trade barriers as significant obstacles.
Despite these challenges, the roundtable spotlighted opportunities for growth, particularly through partnerships, e-commerce, and export facilitation. Stakeholders emphasized the need for streamlined customs procedures, export incentives, and training programs tailored for women entrepreneurs.
RSL pledged to develop targeted programs to support women entrepreneurs in international trade.
Stakeholders urged policymakers to prioritize gender inclusivity in trade policies, addressing structural inequalities and fostering a supportive trade environment.
The roundtable underscored the importance of empowering women in trade as both an economic necessity and a moral imperative. Breaking down barriers and creating equitable opportunities for women entrepreneurs will not only boost Lesotho’s economic growth but also strengthen its integration into the global economy.
Participants left the session with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, pledging continued support for initiatives that champion gender equality and foster resilience in the trade sector.
This event reaffirmed the commitment of NUL, WTO Chair, and RSL to lead efforts in creating a thriving trade ecosystem where women are equipped to excel and make meaningful contributions to Lesotho’s economic transformation.
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