Sky Alpha continues to redefine media innovation in Lesotho

When Sky Alpha HD launched in 2019 as Lesotho’s first online radio station, many questioned whether an internet-based broadcaster could survive in a country where digital adoption remained a challenge.

Seven years later, not only has the platform survived, but it has also earned international recognition after being named Digital Media & Innovation Leader of the Year 2026 at the African Excellence Awards.

For founder and Executive Director Tello Leballo, the award represents more than recognition for a successful media platform. It is validation of a vision that many initially struggled to understand.

“When we launched Sky Alpha HD in 2019, we were responding to a shift that many people had not yet fully recognised,” Leballo said.

“Audiences were becoming increasingly digital, yet much of our media landscape remained centred on traditional broadcasting.”

Officially launched on May 1, 2019, Sky Alpha HD made history as Lesotho’s first fully online radio station. However, Leballo says radio was never the ultimate destination.

“What many people still misunderstand is that Sky Alpha HD was never simply about radio. Radio was our entry point. The vision was always much bigger,” he explained.

That vision included building a digital media ecosystem encompassing online broadcasting, podcasting, livestreaming, audiovisual simulcasts, digital marketing and innovation-driven initiatives designed to connect Lesotho with the rest of the world.

At a time when FM broadcasting remained dominant and internet access was still developing, launching an online-only station was widely viewed as a gamble. Sky Alpha HD, however, chose to build for what it believed would become the future.

“Our belief was simple: if the world was moving towards digital, then Lesotho should not be left behind,” said Leballo.

The journey has not been without challenges. Financial constraints, infrastructure limitations and skepticism from sections of the market tested the organisation during its formative years.

“The journey has been emotional and, at times, incredibly difficult,” he said. “There were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming. Resources were limited, support was not always guaranteed and skepticism often seemed louder than encouragement.”

Yet despite those obstacles, Sky Alpha HD remained focused on its mission, adapting to changing technology and audience behaviour while continuously expanding its services.

Today, the platform stands as one of the country’s most recognised examples of digital innovation.

Its impact extends beyond media. Over the years, Sky Alpha HD has positioned itself as a catalyst for youth development, digital literacy and innovation. Through partnerships with organisations such as Right for Education Africa, DataCamp and ASMIS, the platform has helped create opportunities for young Basotho in fields ranging from Artificial Intelligence and digital literacy to content creation and emerging technologies.

Leballo says these opportunities represent one of the organisation’s proudest achievements.

“For us, success is measured not only by awards or audience numbers but by the lives we impact, the careers we help launch and the opportunities we create.”

The platform has also established collaborative relationships across the continent, including Botswana, Kenya and Zambia, while working with partners such as the British High Commission, the European Union in Lesotho and the Music In Africa Foundation.

These efforts have helped strengthen conversations around innovation, entrepreneurship and the role of digital media in economic development.

As Lesotho continues to explore pathways towards a stronger digital economy, Sky Alpha HD’s journey highlights both the opportunities and challenges that exist within the sector.

According to Leballo, the country’s digital landscape has evolved significantly since 2019.

“There is greater awareness of digital opportunities, increased entrepreneurial activity and a growing appreciation for technology-driven solutions,” he said. “While challenges remain, the momentum is encouraging and the future is promising.”

The recent international award serves as a powerful reminder that innovation from Lesotho can compete on a global stage.

“This recognition is bigger than Sky Alpha HD. It demonstrates that innovation from Lesotho can compete and be recognised globally. It sends a message to young entrepreneurs, creators and innovators that their ideas have value and that they should never allow their geographical location to limit their ambitions.”

Looking ahead, Leballo envisions Sky Alpha HD evolving into one of Africa’s leading digital media and innovation brands while remaining firmly rooted in Lesotho.

More importantly, he hopes its legacy will be measured not by awards alone, but by the opportunities it creates and the possibilities it inspires.

“I want Sky Alpha HD to be understood for what it truly is: not simply a radio station, but a movement that inspires creativity, innovation and possibility.”

In a country still navigating its digital transformation journey, Sky Alpha HD’s story demonstrates that bold ideas, backed by persistence and innovation, can help redefine what is possible.

From an online radio station once viewed as a risk to an internationally recognised digital media brand, Sky Alpha HD has become more than a broadcaster. It has become a symbol of the potential that exists when vision meets determination.

Chris Theko

A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.

* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.