Maseru, Jan. 14 — The telecommunications company Econet Telecom Lesotho in association with its official partner Global Events have officially announced the dates for the much-anticipated annual Econet Africa Picnic and Camping (APICA) Festival.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Econet acting General Manager Public Relations and Customer Experience Mrs. Puleng ’Mathabo Masoabi, revealed that this year’s festival will be held earlier than usual.
She said the event is scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 1, a move intended to avoid clashing with the Easter holiday celebrations, unlike in previous years.
Mrs. Masoabi explained that Econet’s objective goes beyond entertainment and cultural celebration.
She noted that the festival also aims to support and promote local artists by creating networking opportunities with international performers who participate in the event.
Meanwhile, representing the event facilitators, Global Events, Mr. Montoeli ’Moleli said activities will begin on Friday with a Kids’ Corner, designed to provide entertainment for children.
He added that the same evening will also feature a comedy night.
On the other hand, Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) representative, Mr. Phomola Lebota said that events such as this one hold great potential of selling Lesotho’s tourism potential in the global space.
He mentioned that the government of Lesotho is highly holding the tourism and hospitality industry as one of the sectors with great potential of job creation and economic growth therefore holding hands of the private sector can help promote Lesotho’s tourism industry.
The 7th edition of the Econet Apica Festival, which will be held at Ha Ramabanta Trading Post, is expected to attract both local and international artists.
This year’s festival lineup will include renowned performers such as Mookho Moqhali, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuze, Mawhoo, Kelvin Momo, Sannere, Citizen, Omali Themba, Dony B, T-Spoon, DJ Tseko, among others.
The festival is anticipated to boost tourism while celebrating music, culture and artistic collaboration.
Econet Telecom Lesotho as the aim partner to Global events on this festival is reported to have invested about M7 million with this year’s financing standing at M1.5 million.
Ends/NT/tl
