In a bold but sobering move, the Government of Lesotho has officially declared youth unemployment a national crisis. This comes after years of rising joblessness and deepening poverty across the country, particularly among young people. According to recent figures, 38 percent of youth, and 41 percent of young women, are unemployed in Lesotho, with the country already facing significant structural economic challenges (AllAfrica, 2025).
Unlike other countries in the region, Lesotho has a limited industrial base and few large employers. The economy relies heavily on textiles, subsistence agriculture, and migrant labor. For decades, many Basotho have had to leave the country to seek work in South Africa, often under precarious conditions. At home, lack of opportunity has led to stagnation, frustration, and an increasingly vocal youth population.
In response, Lesotho’s government pledged M400 million to support youth-led businesses and outlined a new emergency plan that includes policy reform, entrepreneurship support and education initiatives.
“Youth unemployment in Lesotho is a ticking time bomb, and the government is not doing anything,” said Francis Rapeane of the Basotho Action Party (AllAfrica, 2025).
Why this matters to Help Lesotho:
Youth empowerment is central to our mission
We celebrate the government’s recognition of this crisis and its commitment to invest in solutions. For nearly two decades, Help Lesotho has been working directly with youth to build skills, confidence, and hope. We know real change requires more than funding—it demands long-term support, accountability, and leadership from youth themselves.
System-level impact aligns with our programs
The proposed reforms echo the work we already do on the ground—helping young people build small enterprises, offering life skills and employment training, and advocating for inclusive economic policies. This national response presents a unique chance to scale these efforts with broader impact.
A window for partnership
With youth unemployment at the forefront of national policy, there is a critical opening for NGOs, donors, and the private sector to work together. Help Lesotho is especially excited about the potential for youth-led proposals to guide program design and implementation.
Lesotho’s youth deserve more than promises, they deserve a future with opportunity. At Help Lesotho, we are committed to walking alongside them, building pathways that turn resilience into results.
When you support Help Lesotho, you are helping to create a generation of young leaders ready to build a brighter future for themselves, their families and their country.
