Entrepreneurship training program of the Lesotho Opportunities Industrialization Center : an evaluation of its impact

Special evaluation covers the period 1980-7/82 and is based on document review and interviews with trainees, other business persons, Government of Lesotho (GOL) officials, and contractor staff. LOIC has done an excellent job. Short (6-week) tuition-free courses covering marketing, financial management, inventory control, labor relations, and planning have been provided to 111 traders and small manufacturers (more than half women). The large majority of trainees found the courses to be stimulating and well presented, the faculty competent, and the material directly applicable to their business operations. Institution building is also progressing well. Although LOIC has not yet been able to establish its planned Industrial Advisory Board, it has established a Board of Directors and a Technical Advisory Committee. The creation of these bodies - composed of GOL officials and private sector professionals - has put LOIC in good favor with the GOL. While LOIC has received considerable policy direction from the GOL, this has not threatened its autonomy. Despite this record of success, questions can be raised about the developmental significance of the ET program. Specific shortcomings include a lack of follow-up assistance to trainees and selection of trainees on the basis of personal success, rather than potential, leaving a broad talent pool untapped. Also, most trainees have been merchants or restaurateurs; the manufacturing sector has been comparatively neglected. It is recommended therefore that LOIC sustain and nurture its training operations, but attempt to link them more closely with Lesotho's larger social and economic needs. In this regard, LOIC should seek out ET technologies and technical assistance packages which are available from A.I.D. and other development organizations.