Lesotho Elected to African Telecommunications Union Administrative Council in Major Digital Governance Milestone

The Kingdom of Lesotho has reached a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a stronger voice in Africa’s digital future after being elected to the Administrative Council of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). The achievement was announced during the Conference of Plenipotentiaries (CPL-26), marking the first time that Lesotho has secured a seat on the influential continental body. The election reflects growing recognition of the country’s contributions to digital transformation, telecommunications development and regional cooperation. It also highlights Lesotho’s commitment to helping shape policies that will influence Africa’s digital economy for years to come. The appointment places the Kingdom among the countries responsible for guiding the strategic direction of one of Africa’s most important telecommunications institutions.

Lesotho earned its place on the Administrative Council under the leadership of the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi. The Kingdom was elected alongside Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe to represent the Southern African Region on the Council. The election demonstrates the confidence that Southern African member states have placed in Lesotho’s ability to contribute meaningfully to regional and continental digital development. It also reflects years of active participation in telecommunications initiatives and cooperation across Africa. By joining the Administrative Council, Lesotho will now have an opportunity to influence decisions that affect millions of people across the continent.

Principal Secretary Mr. Kanono Ramashamole welcomed the election and expressed sincere appreciation to the Southern African member states for placing their trust in Lesotho. He pledged that the Kingdom would carry out its responsibilities with diligence, professionalism and accountability throughout its term on the Council. His remarks emphasized that Lesotho views the appointment not simply as an honor but as a responsibility to serve the wider interests of Africa. The country’s commitment to transparent governance and effective collaboration is expected to strengthen its contribution within the organization. This approach reflects Lesotho’s determination to be an active participant in advancing Africa’s digital agenda.

Lesotho’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Nts’iuoa Sekete, described the election as a strong endorsement of the country’s growing leadership in continental digital governance. According to Ambassador Sekete, the outcome represents a vote of confidence in Lesotho’s commitment to Africa’s digital future and its consistent engagement in shaping regional policy. He noted that the election was the result of years of deliberate effort to strengthen the country’s role in digital cooperation across the continent. The Ambassador also stressed that Lesotho intends to serve with humility, professionalism and dedication while supporting connectivity, innovation and inclusive digital transformation. His remarks underscored the Kingdom’s determination to contribute practical solutions that benefit all African nations.

The Lesotho delegation at CPL-26 was led by Principal Secretary Kanono Ramashamole, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation as well as representatives from the Lesotho Communications Authority. Their participation demonstrated the country’s coordinated approach to telecommunications policy and international engagement. The delegation represented Lesotho’s interests during important discussions concerning Africa’s digital future and governance structures. Their presence also reinforced the country’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with other member states and regional institutions. This collaborative representation helped strengthen Lesotho’s visibility at one of Africa’s most significant telecommunications gatherings.

Lesotho’s election did not happen by chance but followed several years of sustained national effort to strengthen its position within the African Telecommunications Union. The Kingdom ratified the ATU Constitution and Convention, fulfilled its membership obligations and actively participated in continental telecommunications activities. One of the country’s most notable achievements was successfully hosting the First African Preparatory Meeting for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, known as WRC-27 APM-1. Hosting such an important event demonstrated Lesotho’s growing technical capacity and organizational capability within the telecommunications sector. These achievements collectively helped establish the credibility that supported the country’s successful election.

As a member of the Administrative Council, Lesotho will play an important role in shaping the future direction of the African Telecommunications Union. The Council is responsible for guiding strategic priorities, institutional governance and policy implementation across a wide range of digital issues. These include digital connectivity, spectrum management, emerging technologies, digital inclusion and the implementation of Africa’s broader digital transformation agenda. Decisions made by the Council will influence how African countries cooperate to expand access to digital services and modern communications infrastructure. Lesotho’s participation ensures that the experiences and priorities of smaller developing nations will also be represented in these important discussions.

The Kingdom will be represented on the Council by Principal Secretary Kanono Ramashamole, whose professional background adds considerable value to the institution’s work. As an accomplished telecommunications engineer with extensive experience in ICT policy and digital transformation, he brings both technical knowledge and practical leadership to the role. His expertise is expected to contribute to informed policy discussions on some of Africa’s most pressing digital challenges. His appointment also demonstrates Lesotho’s commitment to placing qualified professionals in leadership positions that require both strategic vision and technical understanding. Strong leadership will be essential as the Council addresses rapidly changing technologies and increasing demands for digital inclusion.

One of Lesotho’s greatest strengths is its experience in overcoming geographical challenges to improve broadband access. Despite being a small, landlocked country with mountainous terrain, Lesotho has made significant progress in expanding broadband coverage and improving digital connectivity. This experience provides valuable lessons that can benefit other African countries facing similar infrastructure challenges. The Kingdom intends to advocate for practical and sustainable solutions that improve meaningful connectivity across the continent. It will also promote stronger digital public infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity measures, responsible artificial intelligence governance and inclusive digital policies that ensure no African community is excluded from the digital economy.

The Conference of Plenipotentiaries also elected Eng. Kesiaz Mwale of Zambia as Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union for the 2027 to 2030 term. Lesotho congratulated Eng. Mwale on his election and expressed its commitment to working closely with his leadership to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation goals. Strong cooperation between the Administrative Council and the Secretary-General will be essential in delivering policies that respond to the continent’s evolving technological needs. The leadership team will be expected to promote innovation while ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities across all member states. Their combined efforts have the potential to strengthen Africa’s position in the global digital landscape.

Lesotho’s election to the Administrative Council represents much more than an international appointment. It symbolizes the country’s growing influence in African digital governance and recognizes years of careful investment in telecommunications policy, institutional development and regional cooperation. The Kingdom now has an opportunity to help shape decisions that will influence connectivity, innovation and digital inclusion across Africa for generations to come. By bringing practical experience, technical expertise and a commitment to collaborative leadership, Lesotho is well positioned to make meaningful contributions to the African Telecommunications Union. As it begins this historic chapter, the Kingdom remains committed to serving with integrity, professionalism and a clear focus on advancing Africa’s shared digital future.