Staff Writer
Ten Lesotho youth entrepreneurs recently return from Kigali, Rwanda where they participated in this year’s edition of the Youth Connect Africa Summit.
Among them was Puseletso Sekese, the director at NextGen Innovations — a dynamic multimedia company focused on empowering women and youths.
Sekese was selected as one of the top 10 Sebabatso Youth Entrepreneurs from a group of 20 winners of the Sebabatso Youth Empowerment Programme. The programme is sponsored by UNDP.
She told Africa News 24 on her return to Maseru on Tuesday that her experience was “incredible”
“Joining young leaders from 33 African countries, I was part of a powerful collective with a shared vision for empowerment and change. The trip was graciously sponsored by UNDP, highlighting the crucial role youth play in Africa’s development,” Sekese said.
“Attending Youth Connekt Africa in Rwanda was both inspiring and empowering. As part of the Lesotho youth delegation, I felt immense pride standing alongside young Africans united by a common goal of transformation and women’s empowerment.”
She extended her gratitude to World Bank funded Competitive and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) for the incubation programme that equipped her and her peers with essential tools, and to SNKH for their continuous guidance on her entrepreneurial journey.
Youth Connekt Africa, founded in Rwanda in 2012, has become one of the continent’s premier platforms for youth empowerment. The initiative brings together young leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to address key issues such as youth unemployment, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. With support from global partners, including UNDP, Youth Connekt fosters innovative solutions for a brighter future while emphasising unity and collaboration.
At NextGen Innovations, Sekese’s mission is closely aligned with Youth Connekt’s goals. The company runs impactful programmes for youth and women empowerment, including a focus on Sexual Health and Reproductive Systems (SHRS) and bodily autonomy, alongside the “Tea and Vibes” initiative—a platform for candid, supportive conversations about health, empowerment, and leadership.
More from Africa News 24
Cybersecurity Summit ends on high note in Maseru
These programmes are designed to give young women the confidence to lead and inspire change in their communities.
One of the exciting upcoming initiatives from Sekese’s NextGen Innovations is the launch of SheRise—a project that will soon be unveiled. It is aimed at empowering women through storytelling and creating a space for women to rise in leadership roles. SheRise will be an essential part of Sekese’s broader mission to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Africa’s youth and women.
She said her experience at Youth Connekt Africa had only strengthened her commitment to these causes.
“The summit wasn’t just an event; it was a movement that re-ignited my passion for creating lasting change. Standing alongside young African leaders reminded me of the tremendous power we have to build an inclusive and empowered future for all,” Sekese said.
The youths travelled with Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Communications minister Nthati Moorosi and Youth minister, Pitso Lesaoana, among others.
