Minister Nthati Moorosi Highlights the Importance of Innovation and Research at SRIM II Symposium
During the 3rd Strengthening Research and Innovation Management (SRIM) II Symposium held in Maseru, Ms. Nthati Moorosi, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized the crucial role of innovation and research in addressing the challenges brought on by rapid technological advancement and evolving global issues. The event, held on Wednesday, was centered on the theme “Bridging the Gap Between Research and Communication.”
Ms. Moorosi highlighted that the ability to transform knowledge into practical, real-world solutions is essential in tackling urgent issues such as climate change, food security, and unemployment. She stressed that research and innovation management plays a critical role in ensuring that ideas move from theory to tangible, impactful applications that can benefit society. In this regard, she noted that SRIM serves as a platform for encouraging collaboration across different sectors, urging partnerships between the government, industry, and academia to ensure the country becomes an active participant in the fourth industrial revolution.
To further these goals, Ms. Moorosi revealed that her Ministry is actively working to secure cabinet approval for the research and innovation policy. This policy is designed to foster collaboration among researchers, accelerate innovation, and create a conducive environment for the advancement of research and technological solutions. “The government remains steadfast in fostering an enabling environment for research and innovation,” she said, reinforcing the importance of such efforts.
Additionally, she called on symposium participants to reflect on areas such as innovation commercialization, capacity building, skills development, and the creation of collaborative networks. She commended the attendees for their dedication to advancing research and innovation both in Lesotho and on the global stage.
In a related discussion, Mr. Thapeli Tjabane, Director of Information Communication Technology, emphasized the need to support initiatives within the Ministry that foster research and innovation. He discussed ongoing efforts to review government procurement processes, focusing on promoting innovative procurement practices. Mr. Tjabane also outlined the government’s commitment to strengthening technology infrastructure in Lesotho, which he said is vital for the country’s growth in the digital era.
Dr. Hamilton Phiri, representing the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association, echoed the importance of strengthening research and innovation systems. He underscored that such efforts are essential for regional socio-economic development and for ensuring that Africa becomes more competitive in research and innovation, moving away from reliance on external countries.
The symposium also featured panel discussions on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Key challenges identified included delays in the enactment of necessary policies, a lack of funding and incentives, and gaps in knowledge. Participants highlighted the need for a national agency to facilitate coordination between academia and industry.
The event attracted participants from various higher learning institutions and organizations, all with the shared objective of exploring practical strategies for overcoming barriers to commercialization and fostering impactful collaboration. The symposium aimed to showcase best practices and success stories from innovation ventures while also addressing challenges and opportunities in research commercialization.
The SRIM symposium, held annually since 2023, saw virtual participation from Botswana and Namibia, reinforcing its regional impact and the collective effort to advance research and innovation in Southern Africa.
