Deadline Date: July 31, 2026
The United Nations Development Programme is seeking applications to support youth in Lesotho by promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to grow sustainable, impactful businesses and ideas.
The focus areas, of this initiative include youth entrepreneurship, innovation, business development, market access, access to finance, capacity building, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), national development, and youth-led solutions to development challenges.
Sebabatso, the Prime Minister’s Vanguard Initiative for Youth Empowerment, is implemented by UNDP and the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development. It aims to accelerate the growth and scaling of youth innovations and businesses while removing barriers that prevent youth enterprises from becoming sustainable.
The initiative has two streams: Innovators and Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs aged 15–35 are encouraged to apply with existing businesses that require support to grow, scale, and reach the next stage of development. The programme emphasizes uniqueness of business ideas and their positive impact on local communities across Lesotho.
Participants in the Entrepreneurs stream receive training, capacity building, improved access to markets and finance, and targeted support to overcome barriers to growth. The initiative is open to youth from all districts of Lesotho and from all backgrounds, genders, and stages of career development.
The STEAM Initiative, operating under the Sebabatso umbrella, is led by UNDP Lesotho in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation. It promotes innovation and creative problem-solving through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
STEAM encourages innovators aged 16 and above to apply with ideas that address development challenges in Lesotho. Projects must contribute to national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals, align with priority sectors such as mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, technology, health, transportation, energy, and finance, and fit within at least one STEAM discipline.
Applicants may apply individually or in groups, with a strong focus on innovative solutions that drive national development and youth empowerment.
For more information, visit UNDP.
