The Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO launched an e-Commerce Platform for Promotion of Cultural Industry at the event held in Maseru on Wednesday last week.
The project seeks to create a handcrafts database that will amongst others highlight gender, age, type of products location and contact details.
When launching the e-commerce, the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO General Secretary, Mr. Teboho Tsiloane said the platform is intended to help Basotho sell and advertise their products online.
He said the project was funded with M375 000, saying it is their responsibility to use this fund accordingly as they will be held accountable.
He therefore appealed to Basotho to work hard and take this opportunity to grow their businesses, adding that this is a chance for their products to be known globally.
Giving the objectives of the project, the Chairperson of the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Lebohang Kompi said it is aimed at creating a new Cultural Industry Business Model using Information and Communication Technology.
He further mentioned that the project is focusing on creating a new Cultural Industry Business model using Information and Technology ICT e-Commerce Platforms.
“Again, it is to strengthen local capabilities through business development and supporting cultural entrepreneurship in Lesotho,” he added.
He further stated that the project is intended to strengthen professionals’ networks and foster innovative partnerships regarding local goods, services and activities linked to networks globally through diplomatic missions.
He mentioned that the project will further encourage the involvement of youth in the production of handcrafts through training programs where older producers will transfer their crafting skills to the younger generation.
He highlighted that the project will monitor the performance of all gender so that the consultant will be able to help those who are left behind.
The eCommerce project, which was initiated in 2014 is expected to start operating in March 2022.
By Staff Reporter: ‘Maphoka Likotsi