AI training to equip Basotho for digital economy

…as Future AI workshop targets entrepreneurs, professionals and young people

Ithabeleng Qhasho

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) could open new avenues for unemployed Basotho youth to create businesses, generate income and participate in the digital economy, as the government encourages private-sector initiatives aimed at building the country’s AI capacity.

This is according to the South Africa-based Future AI, which is preparing to host the AI Power Experience Workshop from 21 to 22 October 2026 at Mpilo Boutique Hotel in Maseru.

The two-day practical programme is designed to equip professionals, entrepreneurs and other AI-curious individuals with skills to apply the technology in their workplaces, businesses and everyday lives.

Future AI, based in Cape Town, has delivered training programmes in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The organisation said its international experience had exposed it to participants from diverse professional and business environments.

Future AI training lead, Tanya Taylor, told the Lesotho Times this week that AI should not only be viewed as a threat to traditional employment, but also as a tool that can help young people turn ideas into viable businesses with fewer resources.

“I truly believe that if someone has that little bit of curiosity and that little bit of entrepreneurial spirit, AI can assist them,” Ms Taylor said.

She said AI could help entrepreneurs with tasks ranging from developing business ideas and creating websites to producing marketing material, making videos and developing digital products and services.

Ms Taylor said participants in Future AI programmes often develop ideas for side businesses after discovering how the technology can help transform their ideas into reality.

“The workshop will therefore go beyond teaching participants how to interact with AI chatbots, instead focusing on integrating AI into practical workflows and using it to solve real-world problems.”

Building skills beyond basic AI use

Ms Taylor said one of the major misconceptions surrounding AI is that the technology will simply replace human workers.

Instead, she argued that the greatest advantage would go to people who learn how to work alongside AI.

“AI can’t do anything without us, right? The human,” she said.

She described AI as a “thinking partner” capable of reducing repetitive and administrative tasks and allowing people to focus on areas requiring human judgement, creativity and decision-making.

“For unemployed young people, this could mean using AI not only to compete for existing jobs, but also to create services and businesses of their own.”

From prompting to building solutions

Ms Taylor said the AI Power Experience will introduce participants to a range of AI applications, with training covering tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft AI tools.

Participants will also learn how to build applications that address specific problems in their businesses or daily work.

Another component of the programme will focus on AI agents, which can perform parts of a workflow rather than simply responding to individual prompts.

Practical areas covered will include marketing, video creation, pamphlet production and website development.

Ms Taylor said the training is aimed at executives, administrators, entrepreneurs, creatives and anyone interested in incorporating AI into their personal or professional lives.

Training to continue beyond workshop

Future AI said its engagement with participants will not end after the two-day programme.

“Those who complete the AI Power Experience become part of an alumni community through which they can receive further training and updates as AI technology evolves.”

Ms Taylor said the organisation regularly updates its programmes because of the rapid pace at which AI is developing.

She said Future AI was also recognised at the African Excellence Awards 2026, where it was named Best Practical AI Training Provider 2026 – South Africa and received the Corporate AI Adoption Excellence Award 2026 – South Africa.

The Lesotho training team will be led by Rudolph Pieterse, the main trainer. Mr Pieterse holds a degree in Information Science and is a certified AI specialist. He is also the founder of Multidimensions, a creative and media technology company established in 2009.

With experience working with some of South Africa’s prominent brands, he has built a career around technology, creativity and practical implementation.

He will be joined by two other specialists with experience in video and graphic design, as well as a marketing specialist with about 20 years’ experience who will help participants understand how AI can be applied to marketing.

Govt backs private-sector initiatives

The government has said private-sector initiatives such as the workshop are consistent with the country’s AI policy, according to the Ministry of Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation.

Contacted for comment, the Communications Ministry’s Principal Secretary, Kanono Ramashamole, said the policy encourages private-sector organisations to initiate AI-related programmes.

“Our policy encourages the private sector to make such initiatives,” Mr Ramashamole said.

He identified four areas that should remain central to AI development in Lesotho: capacity building, responsible use of AI, AI governance and AI development.

Mr Ramashamole also stressed the importance of ensuring that AI initiatives do not leave people behind, saying organisations have a responsibility to make their programmes inclusive and accessible.

“Every organisation has a responsibility to ensure it is inclusive and accessible. That’s the spirit of the policy,” he said.

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