Lesotho Named 2nd Runner-Up for Cybersecurity Excellence Award at CTO 125th Anniversary Week

Lesotho has been named 2nd Runner-Up for the Cybersecurity Excellence Award during the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation’s 125th Anniversary Week and Awards Ceremony in London, United Kingdom. The recognition highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and improve its digital governance environment. Lesotho was represented at the celebrations by the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi. The Minister received the award on behalf of Lesotho during the celebrations held from September 28 to 30, 2026. The recognition places Lesotho among countries being acknowledged for progress in addressing cybersecurity challenges within an increasingly digital environment.

The Cybersecurity Excellence Award recognition reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity in Lesotho’s national development agenda. As more public services, businesses and citizens rely on digital systems, protecting information and communications infrastructure has become an important national priority. Cybersecurity involves measures designed to protect digital systems, networks and information from unauthorized access, disruption, misuse and other threats. For countries expanding digital services, strong cybersecurity policies and institutions can support public confidence in technology. Lesotho’s recognition therefore points to the broader role that cybersecurity can play in supporting the country’s digital transformation.

One of the initiatives associated with Lesotho’s cybersecurity progress is LesCom. The initiative forms part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its approach to cybersecurity and create a more secure digital environment. Its development reflects the need for coordinated measures as digital connectivity and technology use continue to expand. Cybersecurity requires more than technical tools because effective protection also depends on policies, institutions, skills and public awareness. Lesotho’s progress in this area demonstrates the importance of developing these elements as part of a wider national digital strategy.

The country has also been developing national digital policy frameworks that provide direction for its digital transformation. Such frameworks can help establish priorities for the responsible use of technology across government and other parts of society. They can also support coordination between institutions as countries introduce new digital services and technologies. Policy development is particularly important because digital transformation creates both opportunities and new risks that governments need to address. Lesotho’s cybersecurity recognition comes within this wider effort to establish a structured national approach to technology and digital development.

Artificial Intelligence policy is another important part of Lesotho’s evolving digital policy environment. The development of a national Artificial Intelligence policy framework reflects the growing influence of AI on government, business, education and other areas of society. AI can create opportunities for innovation and improved services, but its use also raises questions about governance, security, privacy, accountability and responsible deployment. Establishing a policy framework can help provide direction as institutions consider how AI should be developed and used. For Lesotho, the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence within its national policy efforts shows that cybersecurity and emerging technologies are being considered as connected parts of the country’s digital future.

The CTO 125th Anniversary Week provided an international platform for Lesotho to showcase these efforts. The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation brings together stakeholders connected to information and communication technologies and telecommunications across the Commonwealth. Its anniversary celebrations and awards provided an opportunity to recognize achievements in areas relevant to the digital and telecommunications sectors. Lesotho’s participation in the event also demonstrates its engagement with broader Commonwealth discussions around technology and digital development. The award adds international recognition to the country’s work in strengthening cybersecurity and developing digital policy frameworks.

Receiving the award in London on behalf of Lesotho, Hon. Nthati Moorosi represented the country at an event focused on the development and advancement of telecommunications and digital technology. Her participation connected Lesotho’s national cybersecurity and digital policy work with an international audience. The award also provides visibility for initiatives aimed at building stronger national capacity in cybersecurity. Recognition at an international event can help draw attention to the importance of continued investment in secure digital infrastructure, policy development and technical expertise. For Lesotho, the occasion serves as an opportunity to highlight progress while also recognizing that cybersecurity remains an area requiring continuous attention.

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important consideration for governments as digital services become part of everyday life. A stronger digital economy depends not only on connectivity and access but also on the ability to protect systems and information. Effective cybersecurity can help reduce risks associated with cyber threats and support greater trust in digital services. National policies can provide a framework for institutions to establish responsibilities and priorities, while practical initiatives can help translate those policies into action. Lesotho’s recognition reflects this broader connection between cybersecurity, digital governance and national development.

The Cybersecurity Excellence Award recognition does not mark the end of Lesotho’s cybersecurity work. Cyber threats continue to change as technology develops, which means countries need to regularly strengthen their policies, institutions, skills and security practices. The development of LesCom and national digital and Artificial Intelligence policy frameworks provides a foundation for continued progress in these areas. Sustained implementation will remain important if policy objectives are to translate into stronger cybersecurity capabilities and secure digital services. Lesotho’s 2nd Runner-Up recognition during the CTO 125th Anniversary Week therefore represents both acknowledgment of progress and a significant moment in the country’s continuing digital transformation journey.