Lesotho Strengthens Innovation Drive Through Benchmarking Visit to Kenya’s Konza Technopolis and Africa Forward Summit Engagements

Lesotho’s delegation to the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi has taken a major step in advancing the country’s economic transformation agenda through a strategic benchmarking visit to Konza Technopolis, widely known as Africa’s Silicon Savannah. The visit formed part of efforts to support the implementation of the newly launched Letsema Strategy, which focuses on industrialisation, innovation and long-term economic growth. The delegation engaged directly with Kenya’s leading innovation and infrastructure development institutions to study practical models that can be adapted to Lesotho’s development context. This engagement highlights a growing emphasis on regional learning and collaboration as African countries seek to strengthen competitiveness in the global economy. It also reflects Lesotho’s intention to accelerate reforms that support technology-driven development and inclusive growth.

The delegation included LNDC General Managers Ms. Marina Bizabani and Ms. Phomotso Majodina, alongside Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Ntšiuoa Sekete. Their participation underscored the strategic importance of the mission, which combined investment promotion, diplomatic engagement and technical learning. The team also held high-level discussions with the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, known as Kenya-AIST, where they were received by Acting Principal Prof. Jennifer Wanjiku Khamasi. These engagements focused on sharing institutional experiences in building innovation-led education systems and strengthening links between academia, industry and government. The discussions highlighted the role of research and skills development in supporting economic transformation.

A central focus of the visit was learning from Kenya’s progress in Special Economic Zones, innovation ecosystems, smart cities, technology infrastructure and industrial development. Konza Technopolis provided a practical example of how integrated planning and long-term investment can create a technology-driven economic hub. The delegation examined how infrastructure, policy frameworks and private sector participation are combined to support innovation and attract investment. These insights are expected to inform Lesotho’s own approach to developing economic zones and strengthening its industrial base. The benchmarking exercise also provided an opportunity to understand how digital infrastructure can support new industries and job creation.

Ambassador Sekete emphasized the importance of African partnerships in advancing innovation, STEAM education, Artificial Intelligence and youth empowerment. She reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to building strategic collaborations that deliver tangible benefits to Basotho, particularly young people seeking opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship. Her remarks highlighted the need for African countries to work together in developing shared solutions to common development challenges. She also stressed that partnerships in education and innovation are essential for building competitive economies. The engagement reinforced Lesotho’s position as an active participant in continental efforts to promote knowledge exchange and technological advancement.

The delegation also toured Konza Technopolis under the guidance of Project Manager Mr. Alexander Kamunyu, who provided detailed insights into the development of Kenya’s digital and innovation infrastructure. The tour offered a closer look at ongoing construction, planned facilities and the long-term vision of creating a fully integrated smart city. Delegates observed how infrastructure development is being aligned with investment attraction strategies and innovation-driven growth. The experience provided practical lessons on project implementation, governance structures and stakeholder coordination. These insights are expected to support Lesotho’s efforts in designing and implementing similar development initiatives.

The visit reflects Lesotho’s continued commitment to regional learning, economic diplomacy, industrialisation and the broader aspirations of Agenda 2063. It demonstrates a clear intention to leverage African partnerships in shaping a modern, innovation-driven economy. The engagement with Kenya’s leading institutions provides valuable knowledge that can be applied to strengthen Lesotho’s development strategies under the Letsema framework. It also reinforces the importance of cross-border cooperation in accelerating economic transformation and building resilient systems. The delegation’s work in Nairobi marks a forward-looking step in positioning Lesotho within Africa’s evolving innovation and industrial landscape.