Minister Nthati Moorosi’s Push to Build a Fully Digital Economy

Digitisation now sits at the centre of Lesotho’s national development agenda. For Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Nthati Moorosi, it is no longer a luxury or a future ambition. It is a necessity that determines how citizens access services, how government operates and how the economy grows. The shift toward digital systems is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing corruption and expanding access to public services. It also connects directly to broader goals of inclusion, transparency and economic transformation. The minister’s message is clear, Lesotho must modernise or risk falling behind.

At the centre of this transformation is the push for a fully digital economy. This includes online government services, digital addresses, secure data systems and the integration of artificial intelligence into public systems. The aim is to replace long queues, paperwork and delays with systems that allow citizens to access services from anywhere. Government is already working on integrated platforms that will allow applications, payments and service delivery to happen online. These systems are designed to reduce inefficiencies and create a more responsive public service structure. The long term vision is a state where digital access becomes the default for every citizen.

Minister Moorosi has also highlighted the reality that this transition is not simple. She has described public office as one of the most demanding experiences of her life, with deep structural and institutional challenges slowing progress. Bureaucracy remains a major barrier, especially in procurement and implementation processes. Even when funding is available, approvals can take weeks or months to move through the system. These delays reflect the complexity of reforming long standing government structures that were not designed for fast digital transformation. Changing laws, policies and systems requires time, coordination and political will.

The challenge is not only institutional but also cultural. Many systems in government operate on outdated frameworks that no longer align with modern governance needs. This includes laws that were created for earlier administrative environments and are now difficult to adapt. The minister has explained that even when reform is agreed upon, the process of changing legislation is slow and often complicated. This creates a gap between policy intent and real world implementation. Bridging that gap remains one of the biggest tasks in building a digital state.

A key part of the national strategy is the development of digital infrastructure that supports service delivery. This includes a national digital addressing system that links homes and businesses to GPS coordinates and official records. Such a system is essential for ensuring that online services reach the correct destinations efficiently. Alongside this, the government is expanding telecommunications infrastructure to improve connectivity across the country. Partnerships with development institutions such as the African Development Bank are helping to extend network coverage. While access levels are high, continued expansion is needed as new communities develop.

Digital inclusion remains a major concern. Many citizens still rely on basic mobile phones that cannot fully support digital services. This creates a gap between available systems and the ability of people to use them. Education and access initiatives are being introduced to address this issue. Schools are being equipped with computer labs, internet access and training programmes to build digital literacy. Community access points are also being considered so that rural populations can engage with online services. These efforts aim to ensure that digitisation does not exclude vulnerable groups.

Another major focus is the role of digitisation in fighting corruption. Digital systems reduce the need for manual processes that can be manipulated or altered. When tenders, applications and approvals move online, transparency increases and accountability improves. Citizens can see how decisions are made and track processes more easily. This reduces opportunities for hidden manipulation and strengthens trust in public institutions. The government is already digitising internal systems, including parliamentary processes and public administration functions, to support this goal.

Cybersecurity has become a critical concern as digital systems expand. Lesotho has experienced cyber attacks on key institutions, highlighting vulnerabilities in existing systems. In response, government is strengthening cyber defence capabilities and finalising cybersecurity legislation. These laws are designed to protect personal data and ensure legal action can be taken against cybercrime. A national digital identity system is also being developed, featuring biometric verification and secure authentication tools. This system will help protect users while enabling safe access to digital services.

Artificial intelligence is also becoming part of the national conversation. The minister has warned that AI is already reshaping education, work and public administration. Teachers and institutions are increasingly facing challenges in distinguishing between human and AI-generated work. Despite concerns, the government sees AI as a necessary tool for development. The focus is on adoption, training and responsible use rather than resistance. The belief is that countries that fail to engage with AI risk being left behind in global competitiveness.

Beyond governance and technology, digitisation also extends into cultural and creative sectors. There is a growing push to increase local content production and reduce reliance on foreign media. The aim is to build platforms that support Basotho creatives and expand local storytelling industries. This approach is intended to develop skills, create jobs and strengthen national identity through media and digital platforms. It also opens opportunities for new digital business models in content distribution and production.

Political leadership and continuity remain important for sustaining progress. Government leadership has emphasised the need for efficiency, service delivery and coordinated reforms across ministries. Cabinet changes are viewed as part of efforts to improve performance and align government with national priorities. At the same time, continuity in policy implementation is seen as essential. Ministers are encouraged to ensure smooth transitions by documenting plans and guiding successors. This helps prevent disruption in long term projects.

Lesotho’s digital transformation is ultimately about building a more efficient, transparent and inclusive state. The vision presented by Minister Moorosi reflects a shift toward systems that prioritise access, accountability and innovation. While challenges remain in infrastructure, legislation and inclusion, the direction of reform is clear. The success of this transformation will depend on sustained commitment, investment and coordination across all sectors. As the country continues this journey, digitisation stands as a foundation for future economic growth and improved public service delivery.