11^th Higher Education Fair 2026

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) hosted the 11th Higher Education Fair for two days in February 2026, shortly after the release of the LGCSE results. This initiative aligns with CHE’s mandate to inform the public about higher education opportunities and to promote equitable access to post secondary learning.
The annual Fair provides a unique platform for students preparing to apply for higher education to access comprehensive information about programmes offered across institutions, entry requirements, and available funding opportunities, all in one place. Participating institutions also use this platform to showcase their programmes and institutional strengths.
The specific objectives of the 2026 Higher Education Fair were to:
     • Provide higher education institutions with a platform to showcase their academic programmes;
     • Enable prospective students to obtain essential information on higher education in a single setting;
     • Give financiers an opportunity to present their funding options for tertiary education; and
     • Offer career guidance focused on pathways aligned with national development priorities.
The Fair was officially opened by the Acting Minister of Education and Training, Honourable Pitso Lesaoana, who also serves substantively as the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development. In his keynote address, he encouraged students to make full use of the opportunities provided through the Fair.

Hon. Pitso Lesaoana opening the ceremony in the Auditorium hall

Higher Education Meets Industry – Engaging Session

Higher Education Meets Industry: Networking and Collaboration:
To mark the conclusion of the Higher Education Fair (HEF), the Council on Higher Education (CHE) hosted a high level engagement titled “Higher Education Meets Industry: Networking and Collaboration.” The event convened Senior Representatives from Government Ministries, Industry Leaders, Development Partners, and Sponsors. Its objectives were to:

Identify priority areas where academic expertise and industry capabilities can jointly advance national development goals;
Strengthen collaboration in education, research, and innovation;
Establish a sustainable platform for ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange between higher education institutions and industry stakeholders;
Recognise outstanding institutional participation through the presentation of awards for the best exhibition stalls showcased during the Higher Education Fair.

Key Speeches and Engagements
The programme featured notable keynote presentations. The UNESCO National Program Officer Mrs. Malesaoana Molapo addressing societal needs through higher education. Additional keynote addresses were delivered by:

Mr. Khasipe, Chief Executive Officer, Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC);
Dr. Letete, Governor, Central Bank of Lesotho;
Mr. Motooane Thinyane, Chief Executive Officer, Letséng Diamond Mine;
Mr. Lerata Pekane, Lesotho Chamber of Commerce;
Professor Sepiriti Tlali, representing the higher education sector;

The event was formally closed by Honourable Mr. Pitso Lesaoana, Acting Minister of Education and Training and substantive Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation.
Key Outcomes
Discussions highlighted challenges currently faced by both industry and academia, and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation to address skills gaps, improve graduate employability, and foster innovation. Stakeholders collectively emphasised the need to elevate the quality and relevance of higher education to support Lesotho’s transition from a raw material exporting economy to a more industrialised and value adding economic system.