Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Communications Science and Technology presented the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2020/21 – 2022/23 that aims to provide insights and solutions to the acceleration of innovation, productivity
and creation of jobs in the country. Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Communications Science and Technology Hon. Thesele Maseribane said the strategic plan intends to put in place all digital initiatives across all
sectors of the economy. Maseribane added that the digital technologies have been an essential tool globally as they respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. “The
pandemic has highlighted the value of digital economy, science, research and innovation. But it has also highlighted the inequalities that exist in universal service and access and an underscored the need for us to build more
inclusive economies. The world is undergoing an extra ordinary technological revolution in satellite, high altitude communications, science, research and innovation,”
he said. Maseribane extended that an increase in broadband capacity across the globe speared by new technologies brings reliable and affordable broadband connectivity to reach corners of the earth.
He added that we live in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which is characterized by connectedness at its core, connected services, connected
products and connected devices. He furthered that it has changed lives; how people work, how the economy works and the overall governing. “It is also expected that more than 65% of
children that enter primary, high school and tertiary will end up utilizing the eLearning platforms. Broadband access, connectivity, affordable data, science
and Innovation have become a key priorities of the 21st century. Therefore, governments, development partners, private sector and other stakeholders should
support policy decisions that will promote further development and adoption of these technologies,” he stated. ‘Maseribane highlighted that the African Union
(AU) has completed a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that is in
line with the AU agenda 2063 and AU digital strategy has established a vision for an integrated, inclusive and digital economy for Africa. “Lesotho should
benefit from all strategic partners namely, the United Nations, Commonwealth, African Union and the European Union. The Government of Lesotho should also be a member of the Smart Africa Initiative,”
he noted. He extended that Lesotho has to be part of the digital, science, technology and innovation revolution so that they can build new businesses and develop the digital eco-systems.
He said, “the Ministry is transforming the working environment within government from the existing manual system to a digitalized environment. In doing so, the Ministry has equipped the Parliamentarians with gadgets that will
assist them to access documents electronically and have also trained Cabinet to hold its meetings virtually. Therefore, it is the intention of the Ministry to implement paperless government initiative
in phases starting in 2021. ” He also said that the Ministry will ensure that the Citizens Support Programme is effectively implemented and they are going to close the fibre ring across the country saying this initiative is aimed
at lowering the data cost. ‘Maseribane mentioned that they are going to introduce the “Les24” news channel that will be accessible online anytime, anywhere.
“We will establish a public information management system. There is an Outside
Broadcast Van (OB Van) packed outside LNBS, with plate Number X2222 and this proves that the Ministry is committed to broadcast live countrywide. The TV OB Van will be ready by end of
January. Both Radio Lesotho and the Ultimate Radio will be streamed online by the end of this year,” he revealed and added that there will be production and promotion of local content.
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