Maseru, 5th August 2026 – Telecommunications powerhouse, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), through Higherlife Foundation Lesotho (HLFL), has today celebrated a major milestone in its long-standing commitment to education in the Mountain Kingdom by officially sending off five exceptional Basotho scholars who will pursue undergraduate studies at leading universities in the United States.

The media send-off ceremony, attended by the Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, parents and members of the media, recognised the scholars’ achievements and the power of sustained investment in education to transform individuals, communities and the nation.

These scholars will study Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Economics, Finance, and Neuroscience and Business – disciplines that are closely aligned with Lesotho’s healthcare, industrialization, entrepreneurship and economic development priorities.

Reflecting on Econet and Higherlife Foundation’s commitment to education, the Chief Executive Officer Mr Dennis Plaatjies said the send-off represented far more than five university placements; it demonstrated the cumulative impact of investing consistently in young people.

“Econet and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho’s investment in education has been guided by a simple conviction: when we expand access to opportunity, we expand the possibilities of an entire nation. Over the years, we have seen young Basotho move from classrooms and scholarship programmes into universities, professions and positions of leadership. These five scholars are part of that continuing story of potential being recognised, nurtured and released.”

“At Econet, connectivity is ultimately about people. We invest in networks and innovation, but we also invest in human potential because Lesotho’s greatest resource is the talent, imagination and determination of its people. Education remains one of the most powerful investments we can make in the country’s long-term prosperity.”

Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, with the support of Econet Telecom Lesotho, has invested more than M100 million in scholarships and educational support programmes since 2011, empowering over 2000 young Basotho. The international scholarship programme has enabled students to study in the United States, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lebanon and Eswatini, and has already produced 19 graduates from universities in the United States.

The Minister of Education and Training, Professor Ntoi Rapapa, commended Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho for complementing national efforts to widen access to quality education and develop the skills required for Lesotho’s future.

“Education is central to Lesotho’s social and economic transformation. Government policy recognises that building a competitive, resilient and inclusive economy requires sustained investment in knowledge, skills, innovation and human capital. The contribution of Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho demonstrates the value of purposeful partnership between Government, the private sector and development partners in expanding opportunity for young Basotho and strengthening the country’s future skills base.”

The Minister encouraged the scholars to pursue excellence with humility and integrity, and to remain conscious of their responsibility as ambassadors of Lesotho and role models for future generations.

Speaking on behalf of the five scholars, Thembezile Mochesane thanked Econet Telecom Lesotho and Higherlife Foundation Lesotho for believing in their potential and making opportunities that once seemed beyond reach possible.

“I extend our deepest gratitude to Higherlife Foundation Lesotho and Econet Telecom Lesotho. Your support is more than financial assistance; it is a powerful vote of confidence in our dreams and in the future of young Basotho. You have opened doors for us, strengthened the hopes of our families and reminded us that where we begin does not have to limit how far we can go. We commit ourselves to making the most of this opportunity, representing Lesotho with pride and using the knowledge and networks we gain to contribute meaningfully to our country.”

Mr Plaatjies also acknowledged Econet customers, whose continued support makes the company’s social investments possible.

“Every call, every bundle, every EcoCash transaction and every interaction with Econet contributes to our ability to invest meaningfully in the communities we serve. We thank our customers for being part of this shared impact.”

The ceremony reaffirmed the shared commitment of Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, Econet Telecom Lesotho, Government and development partners to education as a catalyst for national development and to nurturing a new generation of Basotho leaders equipped to shape a stronger future for the Kingdom of Lesotho.