Kanono Leronti Ramashamole Represents Lesotho at LLDCs Connectivity Session in Turkmenistan

Kanono Leronti Ramashamole has represented Lesotho and the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation at the Connectivity Track – Session on Ensuring Meaningful Connectivity in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza, Turkmenistan. The session was organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the Government of Turkmenistan.

During the session, Ramashamole outlined how Lesotho is building a competitive digital economy anchored in the National Digital Transformation Strategy. Key priorities include achieving 100 percent mobile broadband coverage, ensuring inclusive access, and promoting youth digital entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the UNDP Digital Ambassadors and the Digital Outlets Model.

Lesotho is also advancing school connectivity through the Giga Project and the Universal Service Fund, while implementing Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives such as Digital ID based on MOSIP, an eServices platform, and digital payments. The country is aligning these efforts with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol to boost regional trade opportunities.

Partnerships remain central to Lesotho’s strategy, with active South-South cooperation with India and resource mobilization support from the African Development Bank, World Bank, ITU, Co-Develop, CDPI, UNICEF, and other partners.

Ramashamole reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to the Awaza Programme of Action, which will guide the country’s digital transformation priorities as a landlocked developing nation over the next decade.