The Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), has launched a national data governance initiative in collaboration with development partners.
The initiative marks a significant stride toward building a trusted, inclusive, and transformative digital environment in Lesotho and beyond.
Speaking at the event, ICSTI Minister Ms Nthati Moorosi highlighted the importance of collaboration in the digital age, stating that the initiative is a testament to Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), which promotes global partnerships for sustainable development.
“Today’s engagement affirms our shared belief that collective experiences are key to progress. This is not just about advancing Lesotho’s digital future, but about contributing to a continent-wide inclusive digital transformation,” she said.
The event brought together national stakeholders and regional experts, including the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), to assess Lesotho’s data governance readiness and align efforts with the African Union Data Policy Framework.
Mr Bernard Brain Cudjoe, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the importance of enhancing national capacities in line with continental frameworks.
“We identified the need to strengthen national alignment with the AU Data Policy Framework and to create space for multiple government voices to contribute. We are working to equip Lesotho with the tools and knowledge to build an inclusive and responsive data ecosystem,” he said.
He further noted that AUDA-NEPAD and its technical partners will assist Lesotho in reviewing its legislative and policy landscape, identifying practical steps to ensure that the national data governance agenda aligns with regional standards and supports long-term continuity and resilience.
This initiative is part of a broader four-day workshop convened in Maseru by AUDA-NEPAD in partnership with GIZ, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), and the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet). The programme aims to support Lesotho’s digital transformation, safeguard citizen data rights, and drive equitable socio-economic development through effective data governance.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 28/7/2025
