Ntsoaki Motaung
The Ministry of Small Business Development, Cooperatives and Marketing (MSCM) Thesele ‘Maseribane, will launch a platform that will facilitate dialogue between the private and the public sector named Sethala next week.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry headquarters this week, he indicated that one of the Government of Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP II)’s key priority areas is that of enhancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector-led job creation.
“MSCM contributes to this goal through the promotion and facilitation of the establishment of growth-oriented, competitive and sustainable Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives,” he said.
The Minister said “the Ministry recognizes the pivotal role that the private sector plays as the backbone of economic development (MSMEs) and Cooperatives who in most countries contribute significantly towards job creation.”
‘Maseribane stated that Lesotho MSMEs and Cooperatives are however faced with numerous challenges that inhibit their growth and impact, some of which include access to finance, low production capacity, access to national, regional and international markets, policy initiatives, program activities, administration and regulatory issues, tax rates and licensing regulations.
“The Ministry also acknowledges that an effective mechanism for addressing these challenges is through effective dialogue and collaborations with business community. The ministry has therefore partnered with the private sector to create an open platform Sethala which will enable effective dialogue and collaborations between private MSMEs Cooperatives and the public sector.
“The purpose of Sethala is to ensure that solemn continuous discussions are held between the public and the private sector to discuss and resolve challenges faced by MSMEs and Cooperatives. The platform will also explore opportunities for the development of the business ecosystem,” he said.
He indicated that the benefits of Sethala include but are not limited to improved collaboration between role players in the private sector to overcome barriers to growing the Lesotho indigenous business sector.
