CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 6TH INCUBATION CYCLE
Organisers: National University of Lesotho (NUL) Innovation Hub and Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility (LEHSFF)
Incubation Period: January 2027 – July 2027
Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
Are you an innovative entrepreneur operating across the livestock value chain? Are you ready to scale your enterprise, enhance your operations and drive sustainable economic growth in Lesotho?
The NUL Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, funded by the World Bank, invites high-growth and high-impact micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to apply for the 6th Incubation Cycle.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The programme is looking for operational businesses and committed entrepreneurs working across the livestock ecosystem, including:
- Animal production and husbandry innovations.
- Animal products and value addition.
- Mini slaughtering facilities and meat processing.
- Cold storage and cold-chain services.
- Animal feed production.
- Conversion and value addition of animal waste into organic fertilisers and other high-value agricultural products.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE 6TH INCUBATION CYCLE
Selected enterprises will participate in an intensive six-month incubation programme designed to transition businesses towards market maturity and investment readiness.
Benefits include:
- Tailored needs assessments, mentorship, coaching and expert industry guidance.
- Product/service refinement and business model restructuring.
- Comprehensive training in financial management, marketing, human resources and operational efficiency.
- Digitalisation support to optimise business processes.
- Linkages to investors, financial institutions and strategic market networks.
- Dedicated support in developing a robust, scalable two-year business plan.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join the virtual information sessions to learn more about the programme and application process.
- Schedule: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12 to 30 October 2026.
- Time: 09:00 AM – 09:30 AM.
- Platform: Microsoft Teams.
- Meeting Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/356422045634483
- Meeting ID: 356 422 045 634 483
- Passcode: Vv3P7Kg3
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please note: Registering on the platform alone is not enough. All interested enterprises must complete and submit the formal application form to be considered for selection.
1. Select Your Enterprise Support Organisation (ESO)
Visit either of the official application portals:
When applying, select the National University of Lesotho Innovation Hub as your preferred Enterprise Support Organisation.
2. One ESO Rule
Each applying enterprise must submit an application to only one ESO.
3. Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted on or before 30 October 2026.
Women- and youth-led enterprises are strongly encouraged to apply.
CONTACT DETAILS
For inquiries, guidance or further information regarding the NUL Innovation Hub pathway, contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +266 2234 0601 / +266 5221 3000
- Facebook: NUL Research and Innovations