Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) has reinforced its commitment to advancing education and digital inclusion by supporting the annual Kobeli Business Solution (KBS) Academic Excellence Awards, recently held at St James High School in Mokhotlong.
At a time when access to digital tools is increasingly central to academic success, the telecommunications giant presented smartphones and trophies to 13 top-performing learners, blending recognition with practical support aimed at bridging Lesotho’s digital divide.
The initiative forms part of ETL’s broader strategy to shape an inclusive digital future, ensuring that even remote communities are not left behind in the country’s technological transformation.
Mokhotlong, widely regarded as the heart of Lesotho’s highlands, has emerged as a strategic focus area under the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC)’s ‘ReBontše Lesotho’ campaign, which ETL has actively embraced through targeted interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the company, ETL’s Public Relations Specialist Retšelisitsoe Nkhahle said the initiative reflects ETL’s deliberate emphasis on education as a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools to unlock opportunity and transform lives. Through initiatives such as the KBS Academic Excellence Awards, ETL not only celebrating achievement but also investing in the future of our country. Our commitment is to ensure that learners here are equally equipped to participate in Lesotho’s digital future,” he said.
The awards ceremony drew a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including business leaders, educators, parents and learners, turning the event into a celebration of both academic excellence and the growing importance of technology in modern education.
For many learners in Mokhotlong, where geographical challenges often limit access to resources, the provision of smartphones represents more than just a reward, it is a gateway to information, connectivity and new learning opportunities.
In an increasingly digital world, such tools are essential in levelling the educational playing field between urban and rural areas.
Beyond the awards themselves, ETL used the platform to reaffirm its long-term commitment to strengthening education through improved connectivity, expanded digital access and targeted programmes aligned with national development priorities.
This approach underscores the company’s recognition that meaningful educational support must extend beyond symbolic gestures to include tangible, lasting interventions.
The KBS Academic Excellence Awards have steadily grown into a key platform for motivating and recognising high-achieving students in Mokhotlong, a district that continues to demonstrate resilience despite structural and geographic constraints.
By celebrating academic success while simultaneously addressing resource gaps, the initiative plays a dual role in both inspiring learners and equipping them for future challenges.
ETL’s involvement also highlights the increasingly important role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to improve education outcomes. As digital transformation accelerates, partnerships between corporations, institutions and communities are becoming critical in ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
In his remarks, KBS Managing Director Teboho Kobeli expressed appreciation for the continued support from ETL and other partners, noting the far-reaching impact of such collaborations.
“We are deeply thankful for the continued support shown to the young people of Mokhotlong. Initiatives such as these go beyond celebrating academic performance, they instill hope, ambition and a sense of possibility. By investing in our youth, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive future for Basotho,” he said.
Kobeli stressed that empowering young people through both education and access to technology is essential to unlocking their full potential. He noted that when learners are equipped with the right tools and recognition, they are more likely to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Summary
- At a time when access to digital tools is increasingly central to academic success, the telecommunications giant presented smartphones and trophies to 13 top-performing learners, blending recognition with practical support aimed at bridging Lesotho’s digital divide.
- The awards ceremony drew a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including business leaders, educators, parents and learners, turning the event into a celebration of both academic excellence and the growing importance of technology in modern education.
- For many learners in Mokhotlong, where geographical challenges often limit access to resources, the provision of smartphones represents more than just a reward, it is a gateway to information, connectivity and new learning opportunities.
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.
