Vodacom Lesotho Paves the Way for SME Success in a Digital Era

Vodacom Lesotho has launched SME Connect, an innovative suite of solutions designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lesotho. The official unveiling took place in Maseru on Tuesday this week (18th March 2025), marking the company’s dedication to fostering economic growth and digital inclusion.

Speaking at the launch event, Mohale Ralebitso, Vodacom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer, underscored the company’s commitment to the SME sector.

We are exceptionally proud to introduce SME Connect, a product that embodies our firm commitment to Lesotho’s vibrant SME ecosystem. Our vision is to empower every business, irrespective of size, with the digital resources necessary to flourish—from readily available devices and online platforms to showcasing their offerings globally, complete with pricing and secure, cashless transaction capabilities. We are committed to digitising Lesotho’s economy to pave the way for a more prosperous and self-sustaining future.

– Mohale Ralebitso, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom Lesotho

Our ambition is to act as a catalyst for growth, supporting SMEs as they evolve into larger enterprises. We firmly believe that digital solutions are the key to unlocking this potential. In today’s globalised marketplace, international investors are increasingly seeking partnerships with local SMEs that demonstrate robust digital capabilities, including professional websites and other essential online tools.

– Lisemelo Ramafikeng, Executive Head of Vodacom Business, Vodacom Lesotho

Lemphane L. from Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO), highlighted the crucial importance of digitising SMEs, stating,

SMEs form the very backbone of Lesotho’s economy, making significant contributions to employment and overall economic growth. Digitisation is not merely an option; it is a necessity for SMEs to compete effectively, enhance operational efficiency, reduce overheads and markedly improve customer experiences.

– Lemphane L. from Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO)
 

Palesa Matobako, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, affirmed the government’s endorsement of the initiative.

Vodacom’s SME Connect demonstrably aligns with the government’s strategic priorities for SME growth, and support reinforcing our shared commitment to positioning SMEs at the heart of Lesotho’s economic transformation.

– Palesa Matobako, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development

SME Connect, which is available in two packages; Access Suite and the Managed Access Suite with advanced capabilities, is a direct and strategic response to specific challenges faced by SMEs in Lesotho, notably limited access to affordable and integrated business tools. It addresses these challenges by offering bundled services at considerably reduced rates, democratising access to enterprise-level solutions that were previously beyond the reach of many SMEs.