Joans Enterprise has earned praise for its exceptional growth trajectory following the official launch of its expanded factory in Maputsoe, which has created 700 new jobs for Basotho.
The recent announcement is part of the ongoing #ReBulaLifeme (We Are Opening Factories) initiative led by the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development.
LNDC’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Molise Ramaili, highlighted the company’s transformation from a small-scale operation to a key player in the textile sector.
“The factory initially employed 180 workers. Today, that number has grown to 700. We are already considering another location where we plan to expand further and employ an additional 700 Basotho,” Ramaili said.
The expansion is part of a broader national effort to drive industrial growth and curb unemployment. The #ReBulaLifeme campaign has been instrumental in revitalising Lesotho’s manufacturing sector, particularly textiles.
Trade Minister Mokhethi Shelile welcomed the growth of Joans Enterprise, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting private sector-led job creation.
“We continue to engage with American partners to strengthen trade relations, particularly regarding goods entering Lesotho. The expansion of Joans Enterprise and the upcoming launch of another factory are expected to create new opportunities and contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth,” Shelile said.
He added that Lesotho is positioning itself as a regional industrial hub, with continued government support and investment facilitation at the core of this strategy.
Joans Enterprise’s growth has been progressive. Floor Manager Celinah Mpakathe recounted how the factory began with 180 workers, increased to 350 by 2022, and added another 350 jobs in early 2025, bringing the total to 700.
“We started with shirt production, moved on to mechanical suits, and now manufacture a wide variety of clothing. This growth is thanks to strong leadership and continuous market expansion,” Mpakathe said.
Factory Manager Maanoj Rooplall credited key government leaders for enabling the expansion through infrastructure support.
“Their assistance in securing the building made this expansion possible. We look forward to future growth with continued support from the Government of Lesotho and our stakeholders,” Rooplall stated.
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.
