Lesotho › Creative Industries Empowerment Project II
Beginning in June 2018 funded by the World Bank and Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade and Industries, we provided technical assistance for Phase 2 of the Creative Industries Empowerment Program (CIEP II). The program supported high-growth artisan and fashion companies in Lesotho through business development, design workshops, and market linkages. Achievements included benefiting 21 artisan companies, conducting 2 international product development workshops that resulted in 35 new designs, mentoring 18 companies, and creating market linkages with 45 international buyers.
Key Achievements:
Supported 21 artisan companies, impacting over 374 rural artisans across various regions in Lesotho.
Assisted 27 fashion companies during Lesotho Fashion Week, enhancing their visibility and market opportunities.
Conducted 2 international product development workshops, resulting in 35 new designs in basketry, mohair, wool, and jewelry.
Provided customized one-on-one mentoring to 18 artisan companies, covering aspects such as design, market access, quality control, and buyer outreach.
Created connections with 7 South African buyers and 38 US buyers through participation in international tradeshows and our annual Market Readiness Program.
Donor: World Bank (Ministry of Trade and Industry Kingdom of Lesotho)
Start Date: April 2018
End Date: July 2019
Number of Beneficiaries: 374 Artisans
Training Hours: 382.720
Number of Businesses Supported: 21
