Lesotho Hosts ESARBICA Training Programme to Strengthen Archives, Records Management and Information Governance

The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), through its Department of National Library and Archives, has launched the ESARBICA Training, Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building Programme for Archivists, Information Managers and Librarians. The three day programme, taking place from 22 to 24 July 2026, brings together professionals from member states of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA). The initiative reflects Lesotho’s commitment to strengthening records management, preserving documentary heritage and improving information governance across public institutions. As governments increasingly rely on accurate and accessible information for decision making and service delivery, effective records and archives management has become more important than ever. The training programme provides an opportunity for participants to strengthen their professional skills while fostering closer regional cooperation among information management experts.

Records management forms the foundation of accountable and transparent public administration. Every government institution depends on well organised records to make informed decisions, monitor programmes and deliver services efficiently. Poor record keeping can result in lost information, delayed services and reduced public confidence in government institutions. By investing in professional development for archivists, librarians and information managers, MICSTI is helping ensure that valuable public records are properly created, managed, preserved and made accessible when needed. Strong records management systems also support legal compliance, institutional memory and long term national development.

One of the primary objectives of the ESARBICA training programme is to strengthen professional capacity across the region. Participants from different member states are engaging in practical learning activities designed to improve their knowledge and technical skills in records and archives management. Capacity building remains essential as information management continues to evolve with changing technologies, increasing digital records and growing public expectations for efficient access to information. By equipping professionals with updated knowledge and practical solutions, the programme contributes to stronger institutions and better governance. Continuous professional development also ensures that information specialists remain prepared to address emerging challenges within their respective organisations.

The programme covers a wide range of essential topics that are fundamental to effective information management. Participants are receiving training on records management practices, registry operations, records policies and procedures, records appraisal and retention, archives administration and records security. These areas are critical for ensuring that organisations maintain reliable information throughout the entire lifecycle of their records. Proper records appraisal helps determine which documents should be preserved permanently and which can be disposed of responsibly. At the same time, effective security measures protect sensitive information from unauthorised access, loss or damage while ensuring that important records remain available for future reference.

Archives administration is another important focus of the training because archives preserve the documentary history of governments, institutions and communities. Historical records provide valuable evidence of national development, public policy, cultural heritage and institutional achievements. Proper archives management ensures that these records remain accessible for researchers, policymakers, students and future generations. Preserving documentary heritage also strengthens national identity by protecting important historical information that reflects a country’s social, political and economic development. Through improved archives administration, institutions can safeguard irreplaceable records while supporting education, research and accountability.

The programme also serves as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing among professionals from across the ESARBICA region. Participants have the opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and share successful strategies that have worked within their respective countries. This collaborative learning environment allows institutions to benefit from regional expertise while encouraging innovation in records and archives management. Different countries often face similar issues related to digital transformation, records preservation and information governance. By learning from one another, participants can identify practical solutions that can be adapted to their own institutional environments.

Regional cooperation remains one of the defining strengths of the ESARBICA network. Bringing together archivists, librarians and information managers from different countries encourages stronger professional relationships and creates opportunities for future collaboration. Shared standards and coordinated approaches help improve consistency in records management practices across the region. Cooperation also supports joint initiatives, research projects and professional exchanges that strengthen the overall quality of archives and information services. As information continues to cross national boundaries through digital technologies, regional partnerships have become increasingly valuable in promoting effective governance and preserving shared documentary heritage.

The training also highlights the growing importance of information governance in modern public administration. Governments generate vast amounts of information every day, making effective governance essential for maintaining accuracy, accountability and security. Strong information governance ensures that records are managed consistently, protected appropriately and made available when required for operational, legal or historical purposes. It also supports transparency by enabling institutions to respond efficiently to public information requests while maintaining proper controls over confidential records. Effective governance frameworks therefore contribute directly to improved public trust and institutional performance.

For Lesotho, hosting the ESARBICA programme demonstrates its ongoing commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and modernising public sector information management. Through the Department of National Library and Archives, MICSTI continues to invest in initiatives that improve professional skills and support better service delivery. Well managed records enable government departments to operate more efficiently, preserve valuable information and respond more effectively to the needs of citizens. These improvements ultimately benefit both public institutions and the communities they serve. The programme also reinforces Lesotho’s role as an active participant in regional efforts to promote excellence in archives and records management.

The ESARBICA Training, Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building Programme represents an important investment in the future of records management, archives administration and information governance across Eastern and Southern Africa. By bringing together professionals to exchange expertise, strengthen technical skills and promote best practices, the initiative supports stronger institutions and more effective public administration. The training also reinforces the importance of preserving documentary heritage while preparing information professionals to manage the challenges of an increasingly digital world. Through this initiative, MICSTI has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing institutional capacity, strengthening regional cooperation and improving records and archives management for the benefit of public service delivery. As participants return to their respective countries with new knowledge and practical skills, the programme is expected to have a lasting impact on the quality, efficiency and sustainability of information management throughout the region.