Prime Minister Matekane Champions Africa’s Digital Transformation at APRM Leaders Symposium 2025

The Right Honourable Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, delivered a keynote address on 22nd September 2025 at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Africa Leaders Symposium held at NASDAQ headquarters in New York City. The symposium gathered African Heads of State, policymakers, and global stakeholders to discuss governance and digital transformation across the continent.

In his address, Prime Minister Matekane highlighted the APRM’s mission since 2003 to promote good governance, accountability, and mutual learning among African nations. He emphasized the role of the Digital Governance Atlas in monitoring governance indices across AU Member States. “Digital transformation is not only a pathway to economic growth, but a lever for inclusive development and resilient societies,” he stated, underlining the need for strong governance and inclusive innovation.

The Prime Minister outlined Lesotho’s leadership on the continental stage, noting the country currently chairs the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Communications and Information Technology (STC-CICT). Under Lesotho’s guidance, the AU developed the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Africa’s position on the Global Digital Compact. Lesotho continues to represent Africa at global forums, including the G20, ensuring the continent’s voice shapes the digital economy.

Prime Minister Matekane announced Lesotho’s recent approval to join the Smart Africa Alliance and plans to host AU member states to validate the Digital Transformation Implementation Assessment Report. These milestones demonstrate Lesotho’s commitment to collective action, innovation, and digital governance.

At the national level, Lesotho has implemented a National Digital Framework and is piloting Digital Public Infrastructure projects including digital ID, digital payments, and data systems. The country is also collaborating with the African Union and EU/GIZ to validate its Data Governance Policy, critical for secure digital services.

Connectivity remains central to Lesotho’s strategy. The country now achieves over 95% terrestrial network coverage, supplemented by newly licensed satellite services. The Prime Minister acknowledged challenges such as device affordability and data costs, calling for continental collaboration to address these barriers.

He concluded by urging investment in five key areas: connectivity to bridge the digital divide, artificial intelligence and data centres, energy infrastructure to support digital growth, digital skills for youth and entrepreneurs, and digital trade to leverage the AfCFTA. “Africa’s future is digital. Its strength lies in cooperation, alignment, and collective innovation,” he affirmed.

The APRM Africa Leaders Symposium 2025 attracted leaders from FinTech and tech industries, AU Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners of the AUC, the CEO of APRM, the Deputy Mayor of New York, and other dignitaries. Prime Minister Matekane’s address reaffirmed Lesotho’s role as a proactive and visionary contributor to Africa’s digital transformation and governance agenda.