The Bacha Entrepreneurship Project is currently accepting applications to support young entrepreneurs in Lesotho in starting and growing sustainable businesses. This initiative is designed to address poverty linked to rising youth unemployment by encouraging young people to become entrepreneurs, aiming to develop a generation of job creators rather than job seekers.
Project Objectives
• To promote entrepreneurship and support the growth of youth-owned enterprises.
• To provide comprehensive business development support and mentorship.
• To improve access to opportunities that enhance business sustainability and job creation.
• To fight unemployment and poverty by creating business opportunities for unemployed youth.
• To strengthen the entrepreneurial culture among young Basotho aspiring entrepreneurs.
• To fund bankable business ideas from potential Basotho unemployed youth.
• To contribute to national economic growth through the creation of new business enterprises.
Eligibility Criteria
• Nationality and Age: Applicants must be Basotho youth aged 21 to 35.
• Education: A minimum qualification of Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC) or Lesotho General Certificate of Secondary Education (LGCSE) and above is required.
• Target Applicants: The project is open to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and existing registered or non-registered businesses operating in Lesotho.
• Employment Status: Applicants must be business owners with no formal employment and not currently enrolled in school.
• Business Stage: Proposals are accepted from new ventures as well as from start-ups led by eligible youth seeking funding for expansion.
Proposal and Funding Details
• Funding Amount: The project invites business proposals with a total start-up capital of M1,000,000.00.
• Proposal Focus: Submissions must present viable, sustainable, and profitable business concepts.
• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, a strong business case, and sustainability.
Implementing Partners
• The Bacha Entrepreneurship Project is implemented by the Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO) in partnership with the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and the Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB).
Application Information
• Deadline: August 28, 2026
• Further Information: For more details, interested parties should visit BEDCO.
This project offers a structured pathway for eligible young entrepreneurs in Lesotho to gain critical support, funding, and mentorship. By fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, the initiative aims to empower youth to build impactful businesses that contribute to the nation's economic development.