Africa-Press – Lesotho. T-CONNECT, a fast-rising local digital transformation group funded by Africans and proudly led by Basotho, has unveiled an ambitious plan to create 60,000 jobs for Lesotho’s youth.
Of these, 10,000 will be direct jobs, while more than 50,000 will be indirect, all driven by the power of technology.
This ground-breaking announcement was made during the official launch of T-CONNECT Starlink satellite services in Maseru.
The event laid out the company’s bold vision to empower youth through digital inclusion, job creation, and skills development directly tackling Lesotho’s high youth unemployment rate and paving the way for long-term economic growth.
The Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, called the launch “a major shift in terms of connectivity in Lesotho.”
He highlighted the challenge of poor internet access in rural and remote areas, stating, “We believe that with the launch of T-CONNECT, every corner of Lesotho will have access to the internet, including the herd boys in the mountains who are looking after our economy through wool and mohair.”
He also emphasised the ripple effects of improved connectivity: supporting MSMEs, strengthening the health sector, and boosting education across the board.
T-CONNECT Chairman Nelo Letele reassured the public that Starlink is not here to take jobs, but to extend reliable connectivity to hard-to-reach places. “For example, we have already connected a few schools in Thaba-Tseka,” he said.
Letele further revealed that under their contract with Starlink, T-Connect has pledged to reach 10 countries in the SADC region: Lesotho, Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia, the DRC, Eswatini, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Three data centres will be installed across the region, with one proudly hosted in Lesotho. “I am very proud that we get to launch this initiative in Lesotho,” he added.
T-Connect CEO Phelane Phomane explained why the brand is becoming a continental leader. He mentioned statistics showing that although over 60% of Africans have mobile phones, more than 50% lack access to reliable internet, and only 30% of youth possess basic digital literacy skills.
“In Lesotho, despite 90% cellular coverage, 80% of the rural population remains offline. Meanwhile, the youth literacy rate stands at a promising 86%, which means the potential for digital engagement is huge,” said Phomane.
“This is why T-CONNECT exists, to solve these pressing problems. We are here to provide reliable, affordable internet access to underserved communities.”
He added that in the coming weeks, community hotspots will be launched across all 10 districts, accessible via a unique mobile code. These hotspots will connect even the most remote communities and enable digital services across the country.
Phomane underlined that the initiative goes beyond just infrastructure:
“When we are done with each and every project, we would have created 10,000 direct jobs and over 50,000 indirect. We are not just promising jobs, we are building futures.”
He continued, “This is about giving every young Mosotho a chance to earn, learn, and lead in the digital economy.”
T-Connect is a tech-based platform that connects users to essential services such as transportation, deliveries, freelance gigs, and digital marketplaces.
Its mission is to bridge the gap between technology and employment, using mobile apps and online tools to link young service providers with paid opportunities.
According to the rollout plan, the 60,000 jobs will be created across the following sectors: Digital services – training content creators, marketers, and designers for freelance roles; tech development – nurturing developers, IT specialists, and data analysts within T-Connect’s tech hub; and, international skills transfer – selected youth will gain opportunities to work and learn abroad.
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