By: ‘Moelo Motsiri
MASERU
With determination, resilience, and an unwavering passion for business, Moalosi Moliana has carved a path to success in Lesotho’s tech industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted entrepreneur, his journey exemplifies the essence of hard work and strategic decision-making.
Moliana, 47, has always been aspired to be his own boss. Instead of pursuing a traditional career path after his studies in Youth Social Work and Computer Basics at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation in South Africa, he followed his entrepreneurial instincts. Recognising his talent and interest in electronics, he took a bold step and established his own business, Global Tech Solutions.
“After completing my studies, I didn’t apply for a job in my field because I realised my potential in repairing electronics,” he explained. His journey into entrepreneurship had already been sparked during his time as a National Youth Coordinator for the Student Christian Movement in Lesotho, where he saw firsthand the value of self-employment.
In 2013, Moliana initially ventured into business through a partnership under Select Mobile PTY LTD. However, in 2017, he transitioned to running Global Tech Solutions as a sole trader. “I wanted full control over my income and decision-making rather than relying on partnerships,” he emphasised.
The name Global Tech Solutions was carefully chosen to reflect the business’s focus on electronic hardware and modern technology. The store, conveniently located at Maseru’s busy bus stop, offers a variety of services, including phone repairs, electronics sales, and cellphone accessories. Additionally, it provides Mpesa, EcoCash, My Wallet, and insurance payment services through Khetsi, further increasing its appeal to the public.
Moliana attributes much of his business’s success to his wife, who plays a vital role in managing finances and record-keeping. “She ensures that our bookkeeping is simple and clear, allowing me to measure our business performance effectively. Luckily, she’s very skilled in that area,” he shared.
Despite his success, Moliana has encountered several challenges in his entrepreneurial journey. High rental costs for business premises remain a significant hurdle, especially during slow business periods. Another major concern is maintaining financial integrity within the business. “Handling business funds requires a trustworthy individual to prevent theft or misuse,” he stated.
In discussing his competitive edge, Moliana highlighted that his commitment to quality and affordability sets him apart. His primary competitors are foreign business owners, particularly Nigerians and Indians who often struggle to earn the trust of Basotho customers. “This works in my favour. Basotho prefer my goods and services over those of foreign competitors,” he noted.
Beyond financial success, Moliana finds motivation in customer satisfaction. “Seeing my customers happy with my products and services is truly fulfilling. Many returns to compliment the quality of my work, which encourages me to keep pushing forward,” he said.
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Moliana advises aspiring business owners to embrace patience, passion, and integrity. “You must be passionate about your business, provide excellent service, and maintain honesty. Avoid using business funds for personal needs which is a dangerous habit that can lead to failure,” he cautioned.
He also emphasised the importance of self-discipline, suggesting that entrepreneurs treat their business as a job where they earn a monthly salary rather than freely taking money from the business. Additionally, he stressed the power of advertising in gaining market recognition and staying ahead of the competition.
“For a business to grow and thrive, you have to stand up, be creative, and overcome challenges. I am always coming up with new ideas to stay ahead, and I will never give up,” Moliana concluded confidently.
With his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive, Moliana is proving that hard work, strategic planning, and resilience are the keys to success in business.