Lesotho Strengthens Global Presence in Digital Transformation and Youth Empowerment

Lesotho is making significant strides in advancing its global digital agenda, with a focus on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and youth-centric digital transformation. The Honourable Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation is leading a strategic delegation to the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025, currently underway in Oslo, Norway.

The delegation includes a member of the National Assembly, senior government officials, and key development partners. Their presence marks a strong commitment to positioning Lesotho as an active contributor to international digital policy dialogue and innovation. At IGF 2025, Lesotho has been granted a special session to present its vision for harnessing DPI as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and a long-term solution to the country’s high youth unemployment rate.

This initiative is directly aligned with Lesotho’s National Digital Transformation Strategy and the Digital Skills and Innovation for Youth Empowerment Programme. Both frameworks aim to equip young Basotho with the skills, tools, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, while also fostering a new generation of tech-driven entrepreneurs.

During the forum, the Minister will hold high-level bilateral engagements with influential figures such as the United Nations Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, and the United Kingdom’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety. These meetings are intended to unlock technical cooperation, enhance capacity building, and establish pathways for joint innovation projects that can benefit Lesotho’s digital ecosystem.

The country’s participation at IGF is part of a broader strategy to amplify its role in global digital governance. This momentum will carry forward to the upcoming WSIS+20 Forum in July 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. There, the Minister will once again lead the national delegation, which will proudly include the STEAMLES youth robotics team. The team is set to participate in the AI for Good sessions, highlighting Lesotho’s youth talent and innovation potential on a global stage.

Through these international platforms, Lesotho is not only advocating for inclusive digital development but also investing in the future of its youth. By strengthening its digital infrastructure, forging global partnerships, and promoting digital skills development, the nation is laying the groundwork for a resilient and future-ready digital economy.