Vodacom Lesotho celebrates first software factory graduates
- Nhlanhla Muthe
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
By Nhlanhla Muthe
Vodacom Lesotho has marked a historic step in the country’s digital transformation with the graduation of the first cohort from its Software Factory Hub.
The ceremony, held at Vodacom Park in Maseru, saw eight graduates from local start-ups receive certificates after completing a rigorous six-month programme focused on software development, emerging technologies, and business innovation.
Vodacom Lesotho Chief Executive Officer Mohale Ralebitso described the event, designed to nurture Basotho tech entrepreneurs and software developers, as “a watershed moment” for the country’s innovation ecosystem.
“The graduation of our first Software Factory Hub cohort is the starting pistol for Lesotho’s digital economy. We are not simply training developers; we are forging a new generation of homegrown innovators building solutions that are already making a tangible difference to our operations and the country’s SMEs,” he said.
Vodacom Lesotho, which serves over 1.2 million subscribers, said the initiative is a testament to its commitment to using technology to drive inclusion and build a digital society.
Ralebitso credited the success of the programme to collaboration between the company and partners, including the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO, and the National University of Lesotho.
“By pulling together, we are levelling the playing field and building an economy where no stone is left unturned,” he said.
Principal Secretary Kanono Ramashamole from the Ministry hailed the initiative as a significant milestone for the Mountain Kingdom.
“This programme ensures no one is left behind. It aligns with our mandate to build a digitally empowered future for all Basotho. The graduates represent the skilled human capital that will drive Lesotho’s digital transformation agenda,” he said.
Head of the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation Tšepo Ntaopane said the hub was born from a vision to reduce reliance on external technology providers.
“We realised it was time to invest in-country, to develop local talent to serve our needs and the nation’s. The results are already visible with our graduates’ localised ‘Please Call Me’ solution having delivered a 60% cost saving,” Ntaopane revealed.
As Lesotho celebrates this milestone, Ralebitso affirmed that this was just the first harvest.
“The future is here and it is being built by Basotho, for Basotho,” he said.
