Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho
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GCIP Lesotho, also known as Enhancing Lesotho’s Private Sector Readiness for a Clean Energy Transition Project promotes cleantech innovations and entrepreneurship to address climate and environmental challenges
🌞💧 Meet the Finalist of GCIP Lesotho 2024 Cohort: GoKreen AgriTech! 🚀🌱
GoKreen AgriTech is transforming agriculture with its solar-powered Smart Automated Irrigation System! ☀️🚜 This AI-driven innovation integrates built-in sensors and a weather station to monitor environmental conditions, ensuring optimal water usage for improved crop growth.
Why It Matters?
✅ Water Efficiency: To help block farmers in Leribe & beyond manage limited water resources effectively.
✅ Energy Savings: Solar-powered system eliminates reliance on costly energy alternatives.
✅ Climate Impact: Reduces water wastage & carbon emissions for a greener, more resilient agriculture sector.
Future Vision 🌍
🔹 Expanding into new African markets with smart irrigation solutions.
🔹 Integrating AI & IoT for next-level precision farming.
🔹 Strengthening partnerships to enhance food security & sustainability worldwide.
💡 A step toward smarter, climate-resilient farming in Lesotho and beyond! 🌾♻️
Mamello Mello Mei Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho Department of Energy Lesotho
🌟 Meet the 2024 GCIP Lesotho Overall Winner: APEX ICT Solutions and Security Architects! 🚀
We are thrilled to announce Apex ICT Solutions and Security Architects as the Overall Winner of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho 2024 Cohort! 🎉🏆
Founded in 2022, APEX ICT has developed AquaGuard, a comprehensive smart agriculture platform powered by artificial intelligence. This technology allows farmers to control and monitor their farms via a website or WhatsApp features, offering:
✅ Crop disease prediction (pesticide control, soil & fertilizer management)
✅ Real-time weather forecasts & smart irrigation
✅ Market insights & professional farming support
✅ AI-powered chatbot for quick assistance
✅ Farm security with alarms & cameras
The founders have leveraged their engineering expertise and entrepreneurial experience to develop AI-driven analytics that enhance farm efficiency, boosting yields and profitability for both commercial and subsistence farmers.
📍 Geographical Focus:
🌱 Primary: Commercial farms in Lesotho’s lowlands & Subsistence farmers in Berea, Maseru, and Mafeteng
Congratulations to Apex ICT Solutions and Security Architects for driving innovation in climate-smart agriculture! 🌾💡
Apex ICT Solutions and Security Architects
Thabo Globetrotter Moea Marorisang Makututsa
Department of Energy Lesotho Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho Mahlaseli Energy Women in Sustainable Energy-Lesotho
20/03/2025
🌍 Connecting the Dots: Scaling Cleantech Innovation in Lesotho 🔗
The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme-Lesotho Awarding Ceremony, held on 07 March 2025, was not just about celebrating winners—it was a platform for insightful discussions on how to accelerate cleantech innovation and empower entrepreneurs.
💡 Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussions:
🛠 Policy Makers:
📜 The Ministry of Energy emphasized key policies driving the cleantech ecosystem, including the Energy Policy, Climate Change Policy, and the National Strategic Development Plan II—all aimed at enabling private-sector participation in clean energy.
📡 The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted its Research and Innovation Policy supporting green economy projects.
🔬 Researchers:
Dr. Ratakane Maime stressed the economic challenges innovators face in scaling their ideas. Many entrepreneurs abandon their inventions due to financial insecurity—highlighting the urgent need for financial support and incentives.
💰 Financial Institutions:
Lesotho Post Bank shared insights on financing start-ups, highlighting debt vs. equity financing, key factors considered for loan approval, and the need for strong business fundamentals to secure funding.
🚀 Partner Institutions Supporting Entrepreneurs:
🏫 Limkokwing University – Embeds entrepreneurship education in 28 programs and offers acceleration support.
🏢 NUL Innovation Hub – Focuses on business sustainability and helps local products reach markets through MILCO store.
🌱 BEDCO – Provides free incubation, acceleration, mentorship, funding access, and market linkages for SMEs.
🏆 2023 GCIP Alumni Shared Their Start-Up Journeys:
🔹 Despite mentorship and financial challenges, Nomsa Plastic Bricks is now securing new deals.
🔹 IQON Business Services overcame market resistance to sustainable buildings and is now delivering projects in Lesotho & South Africa.
🔹 Besides GCIP, Mahlaseli Energy won a One Young World award and secured an EEP Africa grant to expand its operations.
🔹 Baholo Aviation Services highlighted the need for innovation and grant accountability.
✨ What’s Next?
The discussion reinforced the need for stronger financial mechanisms, mentorship, and policy support to foster a thriving cleantech ecosystem in Lesotho.
Ministry of Energy Thabo Globetrotter Moea Marorisang Makututsa Women in Sustainable Energy-Lesotho Marorisang Makututsa TL Mohapi Mahlaseli Energy Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation - BEDCO NUL Research and Innovations
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