Econet Telecom Lesotho has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation in the Mountain Kingdom, throwing its weight behind the 10th anniversary edition of The Hook Up Dinner (THUD) hosted by The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN) in Maseru.
The telco, one of the event’s major sponsors, said its support reflects a broader mandate to empower Basotho entrepreneurs through technology, connectivity and ecosystem-building partnerships.
The THUD initiative, a pan-African platform connecting emerging entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa, marked a decade of helping early-stage founders collaborate, gain exposure and scale their businesses.
Econet’s participation demonstrates a continuation of its role in strengthening Lesotho’s innovation landscape. The company has supported similar entrepreneurship and digital upliftment programs over the years, leveraging its infrastructure and platforms to help small businesses access markets, information, and capital.
Since Econet Telecom Lesotho entered the local market in 2008, it has become one of the country’s key mobile and data service providers.
Today, it serves over 1.1 million subscribers, giving it significant national reach and positioning it as a critical enabler for youth-led enterprises and grassroots innovators.
Its network investments, from mobile money and broadband expansion to digital literacy campaigns, have consistently supported initiatives that grow participation in the digital economy.
The Strive Masiyiwa-owned telecoms company emphasised that TEN’s mission aligns strongly with its objectives. The organisation aims to expand the number of Basotho starting or working for new firms, bridge gaps between traditional and emerging startup communities, and provide data-driven insights to strengthen policy and ecosystem support.
Through THUD’s monthly gatherings held across African cities, the network connects entrepreneurs to mentorship, investment pathways and cross-border trade opportunities.
At the Maseru celebration, Econet reiterated that technology-driven inclusion is central to unlocking economic opportunity.
The company said it would continue building a conducive environment for startups to thrive, supported by its “best-in-class network infrastructure” and partnerships with organisations shaping Lesotho’s future economy.
As Basotho entrepreneurs look ahead to the next decade of TEN’s impact, Econet’s sustained support signals confidence in the country’s startup potential and the role connectivity will play in powering the continent’s next generation of innovators.
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