About MILCO
A member-owned cooperative for Basotho producers.
Made in Lesotho Retail Cooperative Society Ltd (MILCO) is a registered retail cooperative incubated at the NUL Innovation Hub, championing Lesotho-made products.
Our Objectives
From the MILCO Constitution
The constitution sets out the primary objectives of the cooperative and the supporting activities through which they are pursued.
Primary objectives
a) Cooperative retail of Lesotho-made products
To invest in, own and run retail chain stores that sell Lesotho-made products only. The stores are meant to empower Basotho producers and make their products visible and available in the markets.
b) Producer development support
To assist Basotho producers to perfect the art of product development, packaging, testing and selling their products through training, mentorship and shared retail infrastructure.
Supporting activities
- Mobilise share capital and savings from members to fund retail expansion.
- Negotiate fair supply agreements with Basotho producers and protect their brands.
- Maintain quality standards on all goods sold under the MILCO banner.
- Promote Lesotho-made products through marketing, signage and digital channels.
- Provide continuous education on cooperative principles and business best practice.
- Partner with government and development partners to grow local industry.
How profits are used
Surplus from the shops is, in line with the constitution, applied to: a statutory reserve, expansion of the retail network, training and producer support programmes, and dividends paid to members proportional to patronage and shareholding — all approved at the AGM.