Lesotho Calls for Stronger Support for Digital Inclusion at High-Level ICT Dialogue in Baku

On 19 November 2025, Honourable Minister Nthati Moorosi addressed global ICT leaders at the High-Level Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan, stressing that meaningful digital inclusion requires targeted support for vulnerable economies, including LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS. She urged international stakeholders to move beyond commitments and implement practical solutions that expand access, affordability, and digital skills.

Minister Moorosi highlighted Lesotho’s achievements in bridging the digital divide. She reported that mobile networks now cover over 95% of the population, while satellite broadband has been introduced to connect remote highland communities. These initiatives aim to ensure that even the most geographically isolated areas benefit from reliable digital services.

Lesotho’s National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is fully operational and recently won the SADC Cyber Drill, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity to prevent and respond to cyber threats. This achievement reflects a stronger national commitment to digital security and resilience.

Under the Community Digital Inclusion Model, Digital Ambassadors are training women, youth, and the elderly in essential digital skills. Innovation programmes continue to expand opportunities for citizens to participate in the digital economy, supporting entrepreneurship and local tech development.

Minister Moorosi stressed that sustainable progress depends on increasing access to affordable devices and data, ensuring reliable electricity across all communities, expanding digital skills development, providing fair access to computing resources, and coordinating international efforts in upcoming WSIS discussions. Her address underscored the need for a coordinated approach to close the digital divide. By prioritizing affordability, infrastructure, skills, and innovation, vulnerable economies like Lesotho can fully participate in the global digital economy and ensure that no citizen is left behind.