Lesotho has reaffirmed the importance of preserving Africa’s documentary heritage as archivists and records management professionals from 15 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa gather in Maseru to address the growing challenges posed by digital transformation.
The remarks were made on Monday during the official opening of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Board Meeting and professional training programme.
Speaking during the official opening, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, said the meeting comes at a special time for the Kingdom as Basotho celebrate the country’s New Year and prepare to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III.
He welcomed delegates to Lesotho and encouraged them to experience the country’s hospitality and natural beauty alongside the official programme.
Mr. Ramashamole praised ESARBICA for its contribution to preserving Africa’s documentary heritage since its establishment in 1969, saying the organization has played a key role in promoting professional standards and strengthening archival institutions across the continent.
He also welcomed efforts to repatriate African archival records held in institutions abroad, saying such initiatives are helping restore Africa’s history to its rightful home.
“Future generations should not have to travel across continents to understand their own past,” he said.
ESARBICA President Mr. Firimin Masianga thanked the Government of Lesotho for hosting the regional meeting, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to advancing records and archives management in Eastern and Southern Africa.
He said that the profession is undergoing rapid transformation due to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats and increasing public demand for access to information.
Mr. Masianga stressed that records professionals must ensure government records remain authentic, secure and accessible despite technological changes.
He added that the board meeting would review ESARBICA’s programmes and progress while strengthening regional cooperation and sharing knowledge among member states to improve the management and preservation of Africa’s documentary heritage.
Participating countries include Zimbabwe, Zanzibar, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, South Sudan, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia and Angola
The five-day meeting is expected to explore emerging trends in archives and records management and strengthen collaboration among member countries in safeguarding public records for future generations.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
