LESOTHO INNOVATORS RECEIVED RECOGNITION AT COMMONWEALTH TELECOMMUNICATION ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT DAY IN MOZAMBIQUE

Four young innovators from Lesotho are proudly representing the country at the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Digital Development Day in Mozambique, showcasing home-grown digital solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.

The innovators, Relebohile Irene Mopa, Thato Flora Rasupu, Nomvuduka Valentina Mabaleha and Ikaneng Christopher Makakole, earned the opportunity after emerging victorious in an Innovation Challenge held during the CTO Digital Roadshow in Lesotho which was organised by the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), with the winners receiving recognition and awards from the Government of Lesotho before being selected by the CTO to participate in the regional digital development programme in Mozambique.

The young innovators are reported to be presenting three projects designed to contribute to national and regional development which include a Clinic Management System aimed at improving healthcare service delivery through digitalisation, Nala – Reimagining Job Access, a platform that connects job seekers with verified employment opportunities and CertiVert, a blockchain-powered certificate verification solution intended to combat academic and professional credential fraud.

During their stay in Mozambique, the innovators joined delegates attending the country’s National Communications Conference, where they engaged with policymakers, regulators, technology experts and fellow innovators on issues relating to digital transformation and innovation across Africa.

Their participation also included attending a lecture at Eduardo Mondlane University on June 23, focusing on promoting women and girls in telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs) which was delivered by the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin and provided an opportunity for interaction with students, academics and global leaders advocating for digital inclusion and gender equality.

The programme which is expected to conclude on Wednesday with the CTO Digital Development Day at the headquarters of Mozambique’s communications regulator, where two of the innovators are expected to serve as panelists while all four showcase their projects, participate in discussions and network with fellow young innovators from across the African continent.

Their participation highlights the growing potential of Lesotho’s young innovators and demonstrates how strategic partnerships between governments, regulators and international organisations can create opportunities for youth to contribute to the digital economy.

The innovators’ journey from Lesotho to Mozambique reflects the CTO’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that young people are actively involved in shaping the future of digital development within the Commonwealth and beyond.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]