The Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, appeared before the Sustainable Development Goals Committee in the Senate yesterday to brief members on the government’s ongoing response to the youth unemployment crisis, which has been declared a national state of disaster.
Addressing the committee, Lesaoana explained that all government ministries are currently consolidating sector-specific strategies aimed at expanding employment opportunities for young people. These efforts include initiatives to promote youth entrepreneurship, support small business development, and stimulate sustainable job creation across key sectors of the economy.
He further highlighted plans to introduce temporary employment opportunities within both the public and private sectors through the Youth Apprenticeship Programme. The programme is intended to equip young people with practical skills and hands-on experience to enhance their employability and long-term participation in the labour market.
Lesotho’s national youth unemployment rate currently stands at 48.8 percent.
