The Duke of Sussex will make his first trip in more than six years to the African nation where he established his first major charitable project.
Harry will travel to Lesotho early next month for a gathering of business leaders, philanthropists and local stakeholders, aimed at driving forward the work of his youth-focused charity Sentebale, supporting the digital and economic inclusion of the next generation.
Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, who co-founded Sentebale with Harry almost 20 years ago, said it would fill the community with “joy” to welcome back Mohale – Harry’s affectionate Sesotho royal name which means “warrior”.
Harry helps a boy during a photography activity in Maseru (Chris Jackson/Sentebale/PA)
The duke said: “As we head towards our 20th anniversary, our ambition has grown, giving us the confidence to bring our skills and experience in designing solutions with young people, and to leveraging our convening power to engage with leading regional players and global funders so we can add Sentebale’s voice to addressing the challenges faced by the next generation in southern Africa.”
The seed of Sentebale was planted in 2004 when Harry spent two months in the African kingdom of Lesotho during his gap year. The experience made a lasting impression on the young royal, who was then aged 19.
He came face-to-face with Aids orphans, met other traumatised young people and visited herd boys living a harsh existence looking after cattle in remote mountain areas.
Harry was invited to the country, land-locked inside South Africa, by Seeiso, a friend of the his mentor, ex-Army officer Mark Dyer.
Harry with Prince Seeiso during a Sentebale concert at Kensington Palace Gardens (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Founded in 2006, Sentebale began working in Leosotho before expanding into Botswana, and operates in four key areas: strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of those living with or affected by HIV; helping to provide access to health and social services; driving youth advocacy; and building individuals’ skills and livelihoods.
The duke regularly visited the mountainous nation to promote his organisation’s work but last travelled to the capital Maseru in 2018, the year he married Meghan.
Harry and Seeiso will visit Lesotho to showcase Sentebale’s work to new supporters alongside existing donors through American Friends of Sentebale, with the princes also meeting local leaders and youth advocates.
In Johannesburg the group will take part in a reception with South Africa-based stakeholders and strategic partner Lebec, a women-led finance and philanthropy firm, and take part in a panel discussion about philanthropists creating change beyond writing cheques.
Harry dressed in a traditional Lesotho blanket (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA)
Sentebale chairwoman Dr Sophie Chandauka said: “Africa has the largest and fastest-growing youth population, and by 2050, nearly 40% of the world’s youth will reside on the continent, with southern Africa home to a significant portion.
“Over 50% of these young people are at risk of remaining economically vulnerable without urgent investment in digital skills, education and job creation.
“The duke’s return to southern Africa, alongside our new American friends, marks a milestone as we collaborate with world-class organisations and local leadership to engage this critical youth cohort.
“Together, we aim to accelerate digital and economic inclusion, addressing the low levels of access and literacy, which are crucial for young people’s participation in the global economy and for achieving Sentebale’s goals in health, wealth creation and climate resilience.”