LESOTHO AMONG FIRST COUNTRIES TO DEVELOP DATA VALUE CREATION BLUEPRINT TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), in collaboration with Smart Africa and GIZ,  commenced the First National Brainstorming Workshop on the Data Value Creation Blueprint, positioning Lesotho among the first countries in Africa to develop a framework aimed at unlocking the value of data as a strategic national resource.

The two-day workshop that took place in Maseru, brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, academia, civil society and development partners to collectively shape a national blueprint that will strengthen Lesotho’s data ecosystem and support the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Lesotho had been selected alongside Senegal and Kenya as one of the first countries to develop a Data Value Creation Blueprint, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to leveraging data for innovation, economic development, improved public service delivery and evidence-based decision-making.

Opening the workshop, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, described the development of the Data Value Creation Blueprint as a critical foundation for Lesotho’s digital transformation agenda.

Mr. Ramashamole emphasised that getting the data ecosystem right is essential for the success of the Ministry’s ongoing digital initiatives, including e-services and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure.

“We have to get this one right because it is the cornerstone of all the Ministry is trying to achieve,” said Mr. Ramashamole. “The e-services and AI infrastructure all depend on the right data ecosystem.”

He highlighted that a strong data ecosystem will enable government to make better-informed decisions, strengthen evidence-based policymaking and improve the delivery of public services to citizens.

Mr. Ramashamole said the expected outcomes of the Data Value Creation Blueprint extend beyond digital transformation, noting that the initiative has the potential to support national development priorities, including the protection of vulnerable children through improved access to education and learning opportunities.

He added that the blueprint will support the implementation of key government pillars such as policymaking, regulation and planning, while guiding impactful investments through better use of reliable data.

The Principal Secretary further noted that the initiative will contribute to strengthening digital identity systems and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses by enabling innovation, supporting economic activity and contributing to job creation.

Mr. Ramashamole said the blueprint represents an important step towards building a data-driven society where information is effectively utilised to improve governance, empower citizens and accelerate sustainable socio-economic development.

In his welcoming remarks, the Director of ICT, Mr. Khiba Masiu, said the National Data Value Creation Blueprint demonstrates the country’s commitment to using data as a driver of national development. He said the framework will strengthen data governance, promote trusted data sharing, stimulate innovation, improve public service delivery and support inclusive economic growth.

Source: Department of Information, PR UNIT