Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), through its social impact organisation, Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, has officially opened applications for the 2025 intake of the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship.
The Moshoeshoe I Scholarship is a prestigious academic programme designed to empower academically gifted Basotho youth with a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Named after King Moshoeshoe I, the founding father of the Basotho nation, the scholarship aims to develop a new generation of homegrown STEM leaders committed to advancing Lesotho’s socio-economic development.
Now in its fourth year, the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship opened for applications on May 12 and will close on June 21 this year.
The programme targets high-performing Basotho under the age of 21 who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to pursuing careers in STEM-related fields.
Puleng ‘Mathabo Masoabi, ETL’s Acting General Manager – Marketing Communications and Customer Experience, said the initiative represents more than just financial support, it is a strategic investment in Lesotho’s future.
“Since 2022, we have proudly supported 30 brilliant minds who are already showing great promise in their fields,” said Masoabi.
“Through the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, ETL has this past financial year alone spent over M2 million in tuition, stipends, and travel costs, a testament to our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.”
“This scholarship is our tribute to King Moshoeshoe I’s legacy of visionary leadership. By nurturing academic excellence, we are shaping future leaders who will uphold his values and take Lesotho forward.”
Since the inaugural intake in 2022, the scholarship has created a growing network of Moshoeshoe I scholars, known as Moshoeshoelites, who are pursuing degrees in critical STEM fields at top universities in Lesotho and across the region.
Among the current beneficiary scholars are Meya Kabeli, pursuing a BA in Mechatronics at the University of Cape Town, South Africa; Thulo Khuto, studying MBChB (Medicine) at the University of Zimbabwe; Temoho Morobe, enrolled in BSc Actuarial Science at the University of Lusaka, Zambia; and Setsomi Molapo, undertaking a BSc in Computer Science and Physics at the National University of Lesotho
The programme is positioned as a strategic pillar in Lesotho’s broader development agenda, particularly in driving the country toward upper-middle-income status through the growth of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted before the deadline. Full eligibility criteria and application guidelines are available on the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho website.
Applications can be submitted online, and a QR code for direct access to the portal is featured on the official scholarship flyer.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
