PRIME MINISTER MATEKANE ADDRESSES AFRICA LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

Thank you, Programme Director:

Excellencies, Fellow Heads of State and Government,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am honoured to address this esteemed gathering convened by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)—an institution that has, since 2003, championed the values of good governance, accountability, and mutual learning among African states. Today, as we reflect on advancing Africa’s digital transformation, we do so grounded in the conviction that governance and innovation must move hand in hand.

In Lesotho, Digital transformation is not only a pathway to economic growth, but also a lever for inclusive development and resilient societies. Africa must harness digital transformation to close digital divide between the developed and the developing countries and to empower our peoples and communities.

In this spirit, I wish to highlight the steps Lesotho has taken both at home and across our continent.

At the continental level, Lesotho is currently chairing the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Communications and Information Technology (STC-CICT). Under Lesotho’s leadership, the African Union developed the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Africa position on the Global Digital Compact.

In this regard. Lesotho continues to represent our continent at global forums, including the G20, ensuring that Africa’s voice on the digital economy is heard and represented.

Government of Lesotho has just recently approved Lesotho’s membership to the Smart Africa Alliance, and early next month we will host AU member states and partners to validate the Digital Transformation Implementation Assessment Report. These are just indicative milestones and platforms that reaffirm Lesotho’s commitment to collective action, alignment, and innovation as the building blocks of Africa’s sustainable and inclusive digital future.

At the national level, we have aligned our policies with continental frameworks by adopting a National Digital Framework. We are piloting Digital Public Infrastructure—including digital ID, digital payments, and data systems—and working with the AU and EU/GIZ to validate our Data Governance Policy. These steps are foundational for building trust, enabling secure services, and supporting the digital economy.

Connectivity remains a central pillar. In Lesotho, over 95% of our population is covered by terrestrial networks, and with the recent licensing of satellite services, we can now boast near-universal coverage. Yet we recognize that challenges remain, particularly around affordability of devices and high data costs relative to household income—an issue we must collectively address across the continent.

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

While we celebrate progress, we must also embrace the opportunities that lie before us. Africa urgently needs investments in:

Connectivity, to bring the remaining unconnected online across the African continent.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Centres, where Lesotho offers unique advantages—abundant water, high altitude, cool temperatures, and a government committed to clean energy generation.

Energy infrastructure, which is the backbone of digital transformation.

Digital skills, to empower our young people and entrepreneurs.

Digital trade, to unlock the potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and position Africa as a global innovation hub.

As leaders, our commitment must be to ensure that Africa’s digital transformation is both sustainable and inclusive. We must guarantee that no child, no community, and no country is left behind.

Let me conclude by reaffirming Lesotho’s steadfast belief: Africa’s future is digital. Its strength lies in cooperation, alignment, and collective innovation. Together, let us inspire action, accelerate growth, and amplify Africa’s impact on the global stage.