Born and raised in Maputsoe, Lesotho, Thato Nkikana is forging new paths in an industry where women remain underrepresented. As the founder and Managing Director of Basa Architects and Contractors a growing architecture and construction firm based in Maseru Nkikana is not only building infrastructure but also opportunities for women in the built environment.

Armed with a National Diploma in Architectural Technology from Lerotholi Polytechnic, Thato entered the construction field with bold determination. Her journey led her to rise International’s in loco fellowship, where she stood out as a leader among peers. The fellowship sharpened her hands-on experience and deepened her commitment to transforming how infrastructure is planned and delivered in Lesotho.

Today, she also serves as Construction and Projects Manager at rise International. In this capacity, she leads on-site construction teams, coordinates with partners and consultants, manages procurement, and ensures projects are completed on time, on budget, and to high quality standards. From sustainable school buildings to pioneering social infrastructure, Thato plays a vital role in making rise’s built projects a reality.

Since stepping into the role, she has managed some of the organisation’s most ambitious and high-profile projects. These include:

• The Stadium of Life for Kick4Life—Africa’s first FSC-certified timber stadium,
  
• The Biodiversity Stand, a key legacy feature of the stadium project,
  
• Flushing toilet blocks at Lithabaneng Primary School,
  
• A pavilion kitchen built from Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) at Motimposo Primary School,
  
• And the ongoing construction of a Community Hall and Youth Health Centre in collaboration with Solidarmed.
  

Each of these projects has required a high level of coordination, problem-solving, and leadership, skills Thato brings to every site she steps onto. Beyond construction, she is deeply committed to building inclusive spaces not only for the end users of the buildings, but also for the people who build them.

Founding Basa Architects and Contractors was not just a personal achievement for Thato—it was a statement. She created the company to open doors for other women in architecture, engineering, and construction—industries traditionally dominated by men. Her firm aims to provide inclusive job opportunities, mentorship, and a workplace where women can thrive without bias.

“Women belong on site, at the drawing board, and in the boardroom,” Thato often says. “We’re not here to compete; we’re here to contribute.”

Her vision for equity and her ability to lead with both empathy and precision make her an inspiring force within rise, and across Lesotho’s construction sector. Thato Nkikana is not just managing projects, she’s laying the foundations for a more inclusive future.