Africa-Press – Lesotho. In an ongoing effort to uplift and empower Basotho producers and entrepreneurs, Delight Supermarket recently hosted its ninth Local Supplier Expo. This monthly event is aimed at promoting locally made products and strengthening Basotho’s economic participation. The expo showcases a variety of products crafted by local businesses, offering them a platform to reach new customers and expand their visibility.
Speaking with Informative Newspaper, Paballo Molatelle, the Finance Administrator at Delight Supermarket, expressed her enthusiasm about the potential of the expo. “We at Delight saw a need to boost Basotho businesses and took action,” she said, explaining how the supermarket’s mission aligns with empowering local producers.
According to Molatelle, the initiative not only enhances visibility for local products but also creates a dependable channel for producers to connect with consumers directly, fostering growth within the Basotho business community.
While the expo has shown promise, Molatelle shared some challenges that have surfaced. “The most challenging part about the expo,” she explained, “is the disparity between demand and supply. We have customers eager to support local businesses, but there are often not enough producers present to meet the demand.” Molatelle noted that although many Basotho producers join the expo, they often only participate for a couple of months before finding it difficult to continue.
Molatelle suggested that this issue could be rooted in a lack of training and capacity-building for small businesses, which affects their ability to produce sustainably. “I have noticed that most Basotho producers attend this expo for only two months and then struggle to produce more,” she remarked, adding that there is a need to equip them with skills that enable them to create products that can meet ongoing market demand.
She also highlighted that the supermarket is considering ways to offer training and support for local suppliers, helping them build the resilience and scalability needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Interestingly, Molatelle also mentioned how the expo experience has shifted her perspective on the state of Lesotho’s market. “I used to believe when people said there are enough products but not enough market. Lately, I have learned that’s not true, there is a market.”
She highlighted that the demand for locally produced goods is robust, but the capacity of Basotho producers to consistently supply the market remains a limiting factor. This revelation has underscored the importance of initiatives like Delight’s expo, which not only supports businesses financially but also challenges producers to think sustainably.
As Delight Supermarket approaches its first-year anniversary celebration on the 29th November 2024, Molatelle extended an invitation to all Basotho entrepreneurs, clients, partners and Khubetsoana community members to join the upcoming celebrations. The event, she noted, will serve as an excellent networking opportunity for local businesses and an occasion to further connect with potential customers. “This is not just a milestone for Delight but a celebration for the entire community of local producers who have supported us throughout the years,” she said. She emphasized that this anniversary event would provide yet another platform for Basotho businesses to benefit, gain exposure, and forge new partnerships.
Molatelle concluded by noting that Delight Supermarket is committed to supporting local suppliers speaks to a broader vision of uplifting Basotho’s economy by fostering entrepreneurship. “The Local Supplier Expo serves as both a showcase of Basotho talent and a reminder of the potential that exists within local markets when given consistent support. With plans for training and capacity-building on the horizon, we are setting an example for other large retailers in Lesotho, highlighting the critical role of established businesses in developing a sustainable local economy.”
As the Local Supplier Expo continues monthly, Molatelle and the team at Delight Supermarket remain committed to driving forward the growth of Basotho producers, empowering them to sustain their businesses and meet the growing demands of the market.
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