SEBABATSO 2026 & STEAM 2026 – YOUTH EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITY
Applications Now Open – 4th Cohort (2026)
Applications are now open for the FOURTH cohort of the Sebabatso 2026 Youth Empowerment Initiative and the STEAM 2026 Initiative.
This is a powerful opportunity for young Basotho innovators, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers who are ready to turn ideas into impact and contribute to shaping Lesotho’s future.
About the Initiative
The Prime Minister’s Vanguard Initiative for Youth Empowerment (Sebabatso) was launched in October 2023 to address:
- Youth unemployment
- Limited economic opportunities
Implemented by the Government of Lesotho and UNDP Lesotho, the initiative focuses on:
- Strengthening entrepreneurship
- Improving access to markets and finance
- Building capacity for youth‑led innovation
The programme operates through two streams:
- Entrepreneurs (Sebabatso)
- Innovators (STEAM Initiative)
Who Can Apply
- Entrepreneurs (Sebabatso): Ages 15–35 years
- Innovators (STEAM): Ages 16 years and above
- Open to applicants from all 10 districts of Lesotho
- Individuals or groups from any background, gender, or career stage
What is Sebabatso (Entrepreneurs Stream)
Sebabatso supports young entrepreneurs with existing businesses that need support to grow and scale.
Participants will receive:
- Business development training
- Capacity building support
- Improved access to markets and finance
- Support to overcome barriers to business growth
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A unique business idea or venture
- Positive impact on local communities and development
What is STEAM (Innovators Stream)
The STEAM Initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) promotes innovation and creative problem‑solving.
Applicants should submit ideas that:
- Address development challenges in Lesotho
- Align with:
- National Strategic Development Plan II
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Fit within priority sectors such as:
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Health
- Transportation
- Energy
- Finance
Applications may be submitted as an individual or group.
Why Apply
- Gain skills to grow your business or innovation
- Access mentorship, training, and capacity building
- Connect with networks and opportunities
- Contribute to national development
- Be part of a movement shaping Lesotho’s future
Apply for Sebabatso or STEAM before the deadline – Friday, 31st July 2026 at 12:00PM SAST