Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho has emphasised priorities central to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) including improving affordability of devices and data, supported by strengthened Universal Service Funds, addressing lack of electricity access, a major obstacle to digital inclusion, keeping digital skills at the centre of meaningful connectivity.
Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi and head of delegation at the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC) currently going on in Baku, Azerbaijan where she said priorities should be on ensuring equitable access to compute and emerging technologies and advancing constructive dialogue on the WSIS process next month, in a manner that will strengthen ITU development work.
She said as an LDC and LLDC, Lesotho aligns itself with the Awaza Action Plan and Doha Programme of Action and builds on Kigali Action Plan therefore seeing WTDC 2025 as a critical moment to move from commitments to concrete action.
She highlighted Lesotho’s achievements, which include reaching over 95 percent population coverage through mobile networks saying their Regulator has licensed satellite broadband services to close the remaining gaps. This she said reflects Awasa’s call for resilient and inclusive connectivity.
Again, she said on promotion of cybersecurity, Lesotho has established a fully functional National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and recently hosted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cyber Drill which they won.
However, she said there is continued need for intense cyber security capacity, skills and emergency preparedness aligned with International Telecommunications Universal (ITU) and SADC guidance.
Additionally, she mentioned that for Community Digital inclusion Model, they have engaged Digital Ambassadors to provide foundational skills in schools and communities particularly to women, youth and the elderly saying innovation programmes are further enabling inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Minister Moorosi further indicated that Lesotho remains committed to working with all Member States and partners to realise the Awaza Action Plan and achieve universal, meaningful and affordable connectivity for all.
Meanwhile, she deeply expressed appreciation to the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the warm hospitality and outstanding arrangements for the conference, also acknowledged the presence of fellow ministers, heads of delegations and Member States gathered with a shared vision of advancing global digital development.
She further expressed gratitude to BDT Director, Dr. Cosmas Zavazava and ITU Secretary General Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin for sterling leadership
The High-Level Dialogue for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS at WTDC-25 focuses on the unique digital development challenges faced by these vulnerable country groups.
Despite progress, many still struggle with limited digital infrastructure, high connectivity costs, low broadband access, and weak resilience to climate and economic shocks.
The dialogue seeks to ensure that the needs and priorities of LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS are fully reflected in WTDC-25 outcomes and future ITU-D programmes, helping reduce the global digital divide and support sustainable development.
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