Are you an innovative entrepreneur ready to scale your business and create a lasting impact? The future of business in Lesotho is YOU! If you plan to, have potential, or are a high-growth, high-impact innovative SME or startup, this is your chance to take your enterprise to the next level.
The Government of Lesotho has received a loan from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank to implement the Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to “increase access to business support services and financial products targeted at MSMEs and entrepreneurs, especially women and youth.”
The Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility (LEHSFF) under the CAFI Project invites innovative SMEs and startups to apply for the 4th Incubation Cycle, to run from May 2025 to November 2025.
This program, a key component of the CAFI Project, is designed to empower entrepreneurs already in business or planning to build high-growth, high-impact enterprises. It particularly focuses on the tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, creative industries, and technology & innovation sectors, aligning with the Second National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II).
Why Apply?
This six-month incubation program will provide selected enterprises with:
- Needs assessment for tailored mentorship, coaching, and industry expertise.
- Product or service refinement for market readiness.
- Business model refinement and technical assistance.
- Networking opportunities with investors and market stakeholders.
- Digitization support for enhanced efficiency.
- Training in financial management, marketing, human resources, compliance, and operations.
- Facilitation of access to finance and investment opportunities through investor linkages.
- Assistance in developing a scalable two-year business plan.
Who Can Apply?
- Enterprises with high growth potential and innovation.
- Operational businesses with market-ready products.
- Full-time entrepreneurs committed to the six-month incubation.
- Businesses demonstrating scalability and job creation potential.
- Enterprises addressing developmental challenges through technology, science, or innovation.
- Enterprises ready to abide by environmental and social safeguards.
Women and youth-led enterprises are strongly encouraged to apply!
How to Apply
Click on www.cafi.org.ls to complete your application and select your preferred Enterprise Support Organization (ESO).
Deadline: March 28, 2025
Each enterprise is allowed to apply to only one ESO.
Select Your Preferred ESO
1. Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP)
Apply if:
- You have an existing business venture with high growth and innovation potential.
- You are willing to actively participate and implement learnings.
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | +266 62851144
2. Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LEAP)
Apply if:
- Your business has already been operating.
- Your business focuses on mining, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, design & technology, or innovation.
Contact: [email protected] | +266 58565325
3. Maseru Business Club (MBC) – Enterprise Incubation Program
Apply if:
- Your business is in Technology (AI, IoT, fintech, edtech, agritech, cleantech, etc.) or Manufacturing.
- Founders must fully commit to the program.
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | +266 62131220 / 63905158
4. Phaphama-Rise Foundation (Phaphama)
Apply if:
- Your business is in Agriculture, specifically within the horticulture agro-processing value chain.
- Your business is already operational with market-ready products.
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | +266 56141404 / 57132290
5. The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN)
Apply if:
- Your business is already generating revenue.
- You are preferably operating in NSDP II productive sectors like manufacturing, ICT, agriculture, or tourism (other sectors can also apply).
Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | +266 63869409
Need More Info?
Call the Hub at +266 22315800 or email [email protected].
Visit the CAFI website: www.cafi.org.ls.
Join our virtual information sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from March 12 to March 28, 2025.
Join via Teams: Microsoft Teams Meeting
Meeting ID: 318 849 849 019
Passcode: k49fz9dw
Virtual Session Schedule
- Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP): 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Limkokwing Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (LEAP): 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Maseru Business Club (MBC): 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Phaphama Rise Foundation (PRF): 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN): 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
#Innovate #Grow #LesothoToTheWorld