As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, Makhala Henson is at the forefront of this movement in Lesotho, with her company Molhen Paper Solutions leading the way in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Makhala’s journey into entrepreneurship is a story of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.
Her path began in late 2021 when she was preparing to apply for a business plan competition organized by Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation (BEDCO). At the time, she was a third-year student at the National University of Lesotho, juggling academic responsibilities while nurturing an idea that could transform the packaging industry in her country.
The birth of an idea
“I had observed the pollution and harm that single-use plastic bags had caused in my country, from the dump site located in the capital city to the cries of farmers whose livelihoods were being negatively impacted by the effects of non-sustainable packaging,” she explains. “I applied with an idea to present an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative that could lead the way towards reducing the need for plastic and promote more sustainable packaging in Lesotho.”
Makhala also saw a broader opportunity beyond just addressing the plastic problem. She recognized the need to diversify Lesotho’s manufacturing sector, which had long been dominated by textiles and agriculture. “While these industries have played a crucial role in our economy, the world is shifting towards greener industries, and I believed that introducing sustainable manufacturing could contribute to the much-needed economic growth.”
Winning the business plan competition in 2022 was a major milestone for Makhala. It validated her idea and provided her with the confidence to move forward. By 2023, she had officially launched Molhen Paper Solutions, a company dedicated to producing eco-friendly paper bags. “Starting operations was an incredible achievement,” she says. “It meant that we were not just talking about solutions; we were actively creating them.”
Building Molhen Paper Solutions
Today, Molhen Paper Solutions operates out of Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The company has six permanent employees, excluding Makhala, who serves as the Founder and Managing Director. The impact of the business has been felt not only in reducing plastic dependency but also in job creation. “Providing employment for six amazing individuals has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey,” she shares. “We are growing together, learning together, and making a real difference.”
Molhen Paper Solutions manufactures eco-friendly paper bags that serve as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. The company works with various businesses, including retailers, restaurants, and corporate clients, who are seeking greener packaging solutions. By offering affordable, high-quality paper bags, Molhen Paper Solutions has positioned itself as a pioneer in Lesotho’s sustainable packaging industry.
“One of our primary goals is to make sure our bags are accessible and affordable,” Makhala explains. “We want small businesses to be able to make the switch from plastic to paper without worrying about the cost. We believe that sustainability should be practical and within reach for everyone.”
The company sources raw materials responsibly and is actively researching ways to produce its own paper locally. “Right now, we import most of our paper, but we are working on ways to manufacture it ourselves. This would allow us to expand our product range, reduce costs, and even supply other businesses in the industry.”
Overcoming Challenges
However, the journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Makhala faced was funding. “When we started, we quickly realized that we wouldn’t be able to purchase the machinery we had initially planned for,” she explains. “Some of the equipment cost over USD 50,000, and without an established market presence, it was difficult to approach investors or financial institutions for funding. We had to start from the ground up.”
To overcome this obstacle, Makhala took it upon herself to learn the craft of making paper bags by hand. With the guidance of Ms. Thikhoi Phakisi and Mr. Jane, who she met during the business plan competition, she mastered the skill and passed it on to her team. “It was a meticulous process, and we experienced losses in raw materials due to errors in production,” she admits. “But over time, we refined our techniques, and today, we have a team of seven skilled individuals crafting high-quality eco-friendly bags.”
Despite the initial skepticism from the market, Makhala remained steadfast in her mission. “At first, people didn’t believe in my business because my products were more affordable than what was already on the market. Many assumed that paper bags had to be expensive because they were mostly imported from South Africa. I had a prospect tell me outright that she would rather use plastic bags because they were cheaper and easier to brand.”
This challenge motivated Makhala to not only make her bags accessible but also to advocate for their benefits. “We incorporated advocacy into our marketing efforts, educating people on why paper bags are a better alternative. Over time, interest grew, and today, we have a steadily increasing customer base. This experience taught me the power of persistence and the importance of believing in your vision, even when others don’t.”
To stay ahead in the industry, Molhen Paper Solutions focuses on affordability and accessibility. “It’s imperative that sustainable packaging solutions remain within reach for businesses of all sizes,” Makhala says. “That’s why we ensure our products are competitively priced.”
Innovation is also a key strategy for the company. “We are currently researching how we can produce our own paper, which is one of our core raw materials,” she reveals. “This expansion will not only allow us to diversify our product offerings but also position us as a supplier for other businesses in the sustainable packaging sector. We want to be at the forefront of green manufacturing in Lesotho.”
GreenRise Challenge: Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her work at Molhen Paper Solutions, Makhala is deeply passionate about environmental education. In 2023, she launched the GreenRise Challenge, an initiative aimed at inspiring young minds to engage in environmental stewardship. “The idea was born from my observation that many environmental programs targeted youth aged 18 and above, while younger students were often left out,” she says. “I wanted to create a fun and engaging platform where primary and high school students could explore ways to turn waste into treasure and celebrate World Environment Day.”
Makhala is determined to expand the GreenRise Challenge to reach all ten districts of Lesotho. “I believe that by engaging young people early, we can cultivate a generation that values sustainability and innovation,” she says. “It’s not just about teaching them about waste management; it’s about empowering them to see opportunities within challenges.”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Makhala is particularly excited about the implementation of a plastic levy in Lesotho. “This policy change is a game-changer for us,” she says. “It means that more businesses and individuals will be seeking sustainable packaging solutions, and Molhen Paper Solutions is ready to meet that demand. This also means job creation and greater impact on the community.”
Reflecting on her journey, Makhala shares one of the most valuable lessons she has learned: “You never know enough! Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning experience. If things seem too constant, then you might not be growing. I’ve realized that every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and improve.”
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be resilient and passionate about their ideas. “Even if only five people believe in your vision, hold on to it,” she says. “Sometimes, you’re just ahead of your time, and the majority still need to catch up to what you see. Advocate for your product, be innovative, and don’t limit yourself to monetary resources alone—find creative ways to bring your ideas to life.”
Makhala Henson’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, vision, and a commitment to making a difference. As she continues to grow Molhen Paper Solutions and inspire young minds through the GreenRise Challenge, she is not only shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing in Lesotho but also paving the way for other entrepreneurs to follow.
