Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho

Innovative minds converged in Maseru on 11 December 2024, as Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho hosted a dynamic Business Clinics workshop for the second cohort of Lesotho’s cleantech innovators. Business Clinics are a pivotal component of GCIP Cleantech Accelerator to the success of the innovators as they provide a platform for innovators to consult industry experts and receive specific feedback to refine their business models. The clinics also foster collaboration among semi-finalists, mentors, and experts.

The workshop opened with a plenary session, where UNIDO representatives welcomed participants and outlined the goals of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho. This was followed by presentations from the key ecosystem actors in the country who highlighted additional opportunities for capacity building and funding for startups and MSMEs in Lesotho;
Mr. Ts`epo Letebele from Get. Invest Lesotho, a European Union initiative, discussed opportunities for mobilizing investments in Renewable Energy.
Mr. Lehlohonolo Chefa from the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) project shared details about funding opportunities available through the Lesotho Enterprise Assistance Programme (LEAP).

Following the plenary, participants engaged in one-on-one expert sessions, each lasting 30 minutes.

1️⃣ Business Model: Creating solid business models with expert Ms. Masechaba Sechaba from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
2️⃣ Product and Technology Validation: Technology evaluation with expert Mr. Ts’epo Letebele from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
3️⃣ Marketing and Getting to them: Product Market-Fit with expert Ms. Mathato Masiloane from BEDCO.
4️⃣ Finance Modelling Strategy: Examining financial tools with experts Mr. Lesaoana Monyane & Mr. Nare Matsoha from Official Lesotho PostBank.
5️⃣ The Team: Building cohesive teams with experts Ms. Matsepiso Majoro & Ms. Palesa Malataliana Sepiriti from Department of Energy.
7️⃣ Sustainability: Prioritizing positive environmental impact with experts Ms. Malehloa Jockey & Mr. THELETSA MPHOLLE from lesotho meteorological services
8️⃣ Gender and Youth Mainstreaming: Fostering inclusivity with experts Ms. mamolibeli ngakane & Ms. Mamatsoso Matsoso from the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation.
9️⃣ Taxation: Tax obligation and compliance with expert Ms. Matlotliso Tlali from Revenue Services Lesotho
🔟 Processes of Business Registration: Guiding Business registration and licensing with expert Ms. Advocate 'Mathato Moeketsi from Ministry of Trade.

👏 We are especially thankful to all the experts and partners for making this important workshop a great success and for their continued support to the project.

Marorisang Makututsa Thabo Globetrotter Moea