Lesotho Launches Project on Technologies for Community Development

On November 28, 2025, the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), launched the Project on Technologies for Community Development. The initiative aims to harness technology, innovation, and strong institutions to support inclusive development across local communities.

Honourable Richard Ramoeletsi, Minister of Law and Justice, explained that the project will leverage intellectual property systems and patent information to identify and adapt technologies that address specific community needs. The initiative seeks to create practical solutions that improve livelihoods while promoting sustainable development.

The Ministry of Law and Justice, through the Registrar General’s Office, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lerotholi Polytechnic. The polytechnic will lead the technical implementation, supported by a steering team composed of government officials, academic experts, and community representatives. A dedicated project team, guided by WIPO experts, will manage daily operations and ensure the project meets its objectives.

Minister Ramoeletsi emphasized that the initiative will deliver demonstration-ready prototypes tailored to community requirements. He added that the project will establish a framework for future replication, commercialization, and integration into policy, acting as a catalyst to use intellectual property and technology to address poverty and enhance community well-being.

Mr Purevdorj Vaanchig, Senior Counsellor at WIPO, stated that the organization focuses on projects that deliver tangible results within 12 to 18 months. He highlighted that this project reflects WIPO’s approach by actively involving the Ha Lejone community to ensure their needs and ideas shape the development of technologies.

The launch marks a significant step in applying intellectual property and innovation to practical community development, aiming to improve livelihoods, foster sustainable growth, and build local capacity for future technological adaptation.