By: Mpho Shelile
MASERU
After six months of intense hard work, creativity, and learning, the CAFI Project, in collaboration with Khaya Holdings and Snake Nation (SNKH), proudly celebrated the graduation of 10 promising enterprises during a ground-breaking Enterprises Exhibition in Maseru. This event was not only a culmination of the incubation program but also the beginning of a new chapter for these trailblasing entrepreneurs, poised to elevate their businesses to new heights.
The Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, a visionary initiative funded by the World Bank, has been instrumental in empowering local businesses by enhancing their competitiveness and fostering financial inclusion. With a particular focus on Lesotho’s creative sector, the CAFI Project has provided essential resources, knowledge, and skills, enabling these entrepreneurs to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
Over the course of the past six months, CAFI has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of these businesses. The program delivered business development tools, financial literacy training, networking opportunities, and access to industry professionals empowering the incubates to refine their business strategies and, more importantly, to embrace the values of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship as catalysts for economic growth.
The Enterprises Exhibition served as a powerful platform for the 10 graduates to showcase their unique ventures. The exhibition was a dazzling display of creativity and entrepreneurship, ranging from fashion to technology, arts, and design. Each graduate demonstrated how their business was not just a product of hard work, but also a reflection of the incredible potential within Lesotho’s creative sector.
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Hon. Mokhethi Shelile, delivered an inspiring message during the event, highlighting how the CAFI Project directly addresses the critical issue of youth unemployment in Lesotho by helping young people launch their own businesses and offering continued support for those already in business through incubations and mentorship.
“Through initiatives like the CAFI Project, we are empowering individual entrepreneurs and shaping the future of Lesotho’s economy,” Hon. Shelile stated. “We are building a more inclusive and competitive business environment, one where our local entrepreneurs are ready to compete globally.”
As part of the celebrations, Hon. Shelile awarded M5000 to Letlotlo Nkuebe for his outstanding musical tribute to CAFI and its partners, which added a memorable artistic touch to the event.
On behalf of the graduates, Loreng Mosoang founder of Lorenzo productions expressed heartfelt gratitude to the CAFI Project and all stakeholders involved. He acknowledged that without their support, they would not have reached this stage.
“The mentorship and skills we’ve gained through incubation have been invaluable. We’ve learned not only how to keep books and run our businesses efficiently, but also how to expand our reach, attract new clients, and seize opportunities we never thought possible. We’ve now gained access to international conferences, expanded into new markets, and proudly secured permanent operational spaces.”
This exhibition marked the beginning of a bright future for these entrepreneurs. With their newly honed skills, innovative products, and strategic business plans, they are now equipped to take their businesses to the next level, contributing to the economic development of Lesotho and beyond.
