The Genesis of LECOFI
LECOFI Smart Village is a groundbreaking initiative rooted in a 15-year vision to empower rural communities through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.
LECOFI: Empowering Rural Communities Through Mobile Technology and Innovation
LECOFI is a groundbreaking project designed to empower rural communities through the adoption of mobile technology. While Lipetu Village serves as the initial pilot community, the project aims to extend to other villages in the future.
LECOFI focuses on improving livelihoods, promoting self-sufficiency and fostering local development through mobile solutions that enhance learning, community engagement and technology adoption. The initiative aims to address challenges such as limited internet connectivity and digital literacy while equipping locals with the tools they need for sustainable growth.
Founded in 2023, LECOFI began as a visionary initiative by a group of dedicated individuals committed to Empowering rural communities through technology.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower rural communities through innovative solutions, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships, creating self-reliant, eco-friendly, and digitally connected villages. By integrating renewable energy, livelihood development, and digital innovation, we aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, fostering long-term resilience and aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the heart of LECOFI’s mission is the belief that communities thrive when they are equipped with tools and knowledge to shape their own future, ensuring lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Lipetu community, where the pilot project is located, carries profound historical and cultural importance. The name “Lipetu” reflects the legacy of King Moshoeshoe I, who championed self-reliance and community-led development nearly 200 years ago.
Inspired by his vision, LECOFI continues this legacy, blending cultural values with modern innovation to foster resilience and self-sufficiency. Lipetu’s historical significance as a symbol of empowerment drives our commitment to creating a model village that merges heritage with progress.
At the heart of LECOFI’s mission is the belief that communities thrive when they are equipped with tools and knowledge to shape their own future, ensuring lasting social, economic, and environmental impact.
Our Vision
At LECOFI, we envision communities equipped with the tools, skills, and confidence to transform their own lives. By tackling challenges such as hunger, poverty, and limited access to technology, we aim to inspire self-reliance and sustainable growth.
Our approach is collaborative – working hand-in-hand with communities to co-create solutions that align with their unique needs and aspirations. This is not about imposing change but about empowering communities to lead the transformation.
LECOFI and the SDGs
LECOFI’s mission is aligned with 16 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing critical areas such as:
01 No Poverty
LECOFI empowers rural communities by providing mobile technology and training to foster self-sufficiency, creating opportunities for income generation and reducing poverty through sustainable livelihood programs and digital inclusion.
02 Zero Hunger
Through initiatives like the Chicken Livelihood Program, LECOFI supports sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security, enhancing nutrition, and creating pathways for communities to generate income through farming and local food production.
03 Quality Education
LECOFI bridges the digital divide by introducing mobile learning solutions, enhancing digital literacy, and providing access to educational resources, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities for individuals in underserved rural communities.
04 Affordable and Clean Energy
LECOFI aims to integrate affordable, clean energy solutions like solar-powered devices to improve connectivity, enable technology adoption, and support rural communities with reliable energy access for sustainable growth.
05 Sustainable Cities and Communities
LECOFI promotes local development by leveraging mobile technology to strengthen community engagement, foster self-sufficient economies, and build more resilient and inclusive rural communities for future generations.
06 Climate Change
LECOFI supports sustainable practices and empowers communities with tools to adopt environmentally friendly solutions, promoting resilience to climate challenges and encouraging responsible use of natural resources.
Our Expertise
What Sets Us Apart
A Community-Centered Approach
The community drives the solutions, fostering ownership and trust.
Sustainability and Innovation
Renewable energy, sustainable farming, and cutting-edge digital solutions form the backbone of LECOFI.
A Legacy of Partnership
Rooted in collaboration with public and private stakeholders, our model bridges the gap between tradition and modernity.
Meet Our Team
Welcome to the driving force behind LECOFI's success — our dedicated team of experts.
Building Bridges of Change
Partnering with public and private sectors to deliver lasting solutions that empower communities and advance sustainable development goals.
Join Us on This Journey