Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), through its charitable arm Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, has raised M485,000 at a fundraising gala dinner to help underprivileged Basotho students access education.
The company has pledged to match the amount, which could double the total to M970,000. The gala dinner was held at Maseru Mall on Friday evening. It also marked the official close of the Econet Expo, which was held under the theme “Think AI. Think Econet.”
The money will support vulnerable learners in pursuing their educational ambitions, including opportunities to study at leading international institutions such as Harvard University.
Speaking at the event, ETL Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies said exhibitions bring people together for a short time, but the partnerships, relationships and decisions made during the Expo should have a lasting impact on the country. He said the company wants these partnerships to turn into practical projects that tackle local challenges and support Lesotho’s digital transformation.
“Our theme, ‘Think AI. Think Econet.’, carries an expectation of us. We must help make artificial intelligence understandable, accessible and useful in our own context,” Plaatjies said.
He said artificial intelligence should be made relevant to different sectors of society. Business owners could use it to improve productivity, students could use it to identify essential skills, and institutions could use it to find where technology can improve services without replacing necessary human judgement.
Plaatjies said ETL is committed to working with partners, Government, regulators and educational institutions to help Basotho benefit from advances in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
He also highlighted the company’s continued investment in network improvements, describing reliable connectivity as essential to expanding digital services and supporting businesses, households and institutions.
Among the company’s recent developments, he cited, the successful billing system upgrade, Bothebelele, which offers unlimited data packages without contracts, the Re ‘Moja customer loyalty programme, and the expansion of financial services through Sasai Econet Financial Services, including the newly launched EcoSure Family Cover and EcoSure Short-Term Insurance.
Through EcoCash, he said, the company continues to work towards greater financial inclusion and a cashless economy. Services include EcoCash Mekhatlo accounts, merchant payments, payroll and bill payments.
However, Plaatjies stressed that the growth of digital services should go hand in hand with greater awareness of online safety and protection of network infrastructure. He urged parents, schools, service providers and public institutions to share responsibility for Child Online Protection. He also warned customers against cybercrime and against sharing personal information and PINs.
Turning to social responsibility, Plaatjies said education remains central to the work of Higherlife Foundation Lesotho in removing barriers faced by vulnerable young people. According to the Foundation’s second-quarter 2026 figures, it supported 141 learners at local secondary and high schools and 114 students at local tertiary institutions. It also recorded 15,283 active learners on its Akello learning platform and distributed 1,409 dignity packs through its Hlokomela Banana programme.
He said these interventions are different forms of support meant to make sure young people are not denied educational opportunities because of their circumstances.
Plaatjies also pointed to the recent departure of five Basotho scholars to the United States. He attended the send-off with Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa. He said the scholars’ opportunities reflect years of hard work, family support and investment in their future.
The Foundation hopes more Basotho students will get similar opportunities and later contribute their knowledge and skills to the country.
The gala was preceded by the Econet Golf Day, held earlier on Friday at Maseru Golf Club, where 84 golfers played in support of the Foundation.
The team of Tlotliso Khabo, Tsebo Lerotholi, Matšela Matšela and Moeketsi Mafereka won overall, scoring 58 points off a handicap of 17. Wayne Aitken, Bakuena Diaho, Anna Moloi and Mokhechane Mohale also scored 58 points but took second place, playing off a handicap of 18. Thabo Mphana, Mathaleha Molapo, Sehlabaka Rampeta and Bokang Mokoma were third with 55 points off a handicap of 17.
Plaatjies thanked the golfers, partners and other participants for supporting the Foundation’s education programmes. He appealed to guests at the gala dinner to make further pledges, which he said would help sustain the Foundation’s programmes, keep vulnerable learners in school and create opportunities for more young Basotho.
Summary
- Speaking at the event, ETL Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies said exhibitions bring people together for a short time, but the partnerships, relationships and decisions made during the Expo should have a lasting impact on the country.
- Among the company’s recent developments, he cited, the successful billing system upgrade, Bothebelele, which offers unlimited data packages without contracts, the Re ‘Moja customer loyalty programme, and the expansion of financial services through Sasai Econet Financial Services, including the newly launched EcoSure Family Cover and EcoSure Short-Term Insurance.
- The gala was preceded by the Econet Golf Day, held earlier on Friday at Maseru Golf Club, where 84 golfers played in support of the Foundation.
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