Lesotho Advances AI Development with 2026 Digital Strategy Work Plan

The Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, met with Mr. Taye Amssalu, Deputy Resident Representative from the United Nations Development Programme, in Maseru to discuss the implementation of the 2026 Digital Strategy Work Plan. The initiative is designed to harness Artificial Intelligence to address national development priorities and improve service delivery. Both parties reviewed progress on AI projects launched in 2025 and explored strategies to strengthen national systems for innovation. The meeting highlighted the need to expand AI applications across government, education, health, and other key sectors. Discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international partners to ensure sustainable and responsible AI adoption.

A central topic of the meeting was the operationalisation of the Innovation Hub and the further development of the AI system introduced by the Prime Minister in 2025. Strengthening the AI infrastructure aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness in public services. Participants explored ways to enhance system performance, integrate new functionalities, and scale AI solutions to benefit more citizens. The Innovation Hub will serve as a focal point for research, testing, and deployment of AI-driven solutions, ensuring alignment with national development goals. Both parties stressed the importance of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and measure impact.

The partnership also focuses on promoting the responsible and effective use of AI, particularly in the Sesotho language. By digitising and adapting AI technologies into Sesotho, Lesotho seeks to make innovations more accessible and inclusive. The initiative supports local content creation, strengthens language preservation, and enhances citizen engagement with technology. Expanding AI in local languages ensures that digital transformation benefits all communities, bridging the gap between technology and public understanding. This approach positions Lesotho as a leader in culturally relevant AI development in the region.

An important outcome of the discussions was the plan to establish an AI Digital Academy. The Academy will provide training, research, and development opportunities, equipping professionals and students with AI skills. It will serve as a platform for innovation, supporting the creation of AI applications tailored to national needs. By linking education and practical deployment, the Academy will accelerate digital literacy and technical expertise across multiple sectors. This effort reinforces Lesotho’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and improving public service delivery through technology.

The meeting underscored the strategic importance of integrating AI into national development frameworks. By leveraging AI responsibly and inclusively, Lesotho aims to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and foster sustainable growth. Collaboration with the UNDP ensures access to global expertise and best practices, supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda. The 2026 Digital Strategy Work Plan represents a roadmap for scaling AI initiatives while promoting local language inclusion, sector-wide impact, and public sector modernization. This initiative positions Lesotho at the forefront of AI-driven development in Southern Africa.