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.
Just last year, more than M8 billion flowed through EcoCash, according to Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Plaatjies.
Speaking at ETL’s Digital Expo 2025 cocktail dinner, attended by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Sam Matekane and Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation Nthati Moorosi at Maseru Mall last Friday, Plaatjies said EcoCash has become the heartbeat of financial inclusion in Lesotho.
“Our other big story is financial inclusion. Through EcoCash Spache-Fono and EcoSure Rebolokehile, we’ve transformed the way money flows in Lesotho. Just last year alone, more than M8 billion moved through EcoCash,” he said.
“That’s not just a number. That’s school fees being paid on time. That’s families sending money safely to loved ones. That’s small businesses growing and creating jobs,” he added.
He stressed that EcoCash Agents and Merchants must not be overlooked, describing them as “ordinary Basotho running businesses, serving their communities, and making a living through the EcoCash ecosystem.”
“Every transaction is a story of empowerment,” Plaatjies said.
The CEO also pointed to Econet’s growing focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and that’s why we’re building solutions especially for them,” he said. “Take our recently launched EcoTicket, for example — a platform that allows you to buy tickets for events. It comes at an exciting time as our entertainment and creative industries continue to grow. Econet Lecholi is already listed on the platform, and many more events will follow.”
He also highlighted EcoMart, ETL’s online marketplace designed to bring small businesses into the digital space. “Additionally, we offer web development services and WiFi Plus for Business. That’s how we are giving MSMEs the tools to compete, thrive, and scale.”
On connectivity, Plaatjies said Econet had made “bold moves” to expand Lesotho’s digital backbone.
“5G is now live across all major towns, fibre connects 9 of our 10 districts, with Thaba-Tseka next in line, and today, every single Econet tower across Lesotho is LTE-enabled,” he said.
But for him, this is not just about speed.
“It’s about giving a child in Mokhotlong the same online learning opportunities as a child in Maseru. It’s about making sure a farmer in Quthing can use digital tools to access weather information, market prices, and mobile payments. It’s about creating equal opportunity no matter where you live.”
“When we invest in fibre, LTE, and 5G, we are investing in inclusion, and in Lesotho’s digital economy,” he said.
Summary
Speaking at ETL’s Digital Expo 2025 cocktail dinner, attended by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Sam Matekane and Minister of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation Nthati Moorosi at Maseru Mall last Friday, Plaatjies said EcoCash has become the heartbeat of financial inclusion in Lesotho.
He stressed that EcoCash Agents and Merchants must not be overlooked, describing them as “ordinary Basotho running businesses, serving their communities, and making a living through the EcoCash ecosystem.
“When we invest in fibre, LTE, and 5G, we are investing in inclusion, and in Lesotho’s digital economy,” he said.
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.
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