MICSTI ON ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS, COMMUNICATIONS BILL

records, online services and digital commerce.

This, was said by the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) Director ICT Mr Masiu Khiba on behalf of the Principal Secretary when officiating a two-day validation workshop on Lesotho Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill held in

Maseru from Monday, with the objective to present the Bill and solicit stakeholder views, comments and recommendations before the Bill progresses through the next stages of the legislative process.

Mr. Khiba said the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill, 2026, therefore seeks to address these gaps by providing legal certainty and

recognition for electronic transactions and communications.

He said if enacted, the Bill will support the digitalisation of government services,

facilitate e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship, promote secure and trusted online transactions and create a more enabling environment for investment and cross-border digital trade.

“Ultimately, the Bill will strengthen the legal foundation for Lesotho’s digital transformation and contribute towards greater trust and confidence in the digital economy” he said, adding that alignment with the revised SADC framework will

support regional integration by promoting compatible legal regimes

and facilitating cross-border digital trade.

On behalf of UNDP Representative, Mr. Teboho Khoali said the Ministry’s leadership in advancing this critical legislative reform demonstrates a shared commitment to building a resilient, trusted, inclusive and competitive digital future for Lesotho.

He emphasised the need for Lesotho to fully participate in the digital economy, saying she requires a modern legal foundation that provides certainty, trust and confidence in electronic interactions thus the Bill is not simply another piece of legislation but a strategic enabler of the country’s digital transformation journey.

He also indicated that UNDP views the Bill as part of a broader ecosystem of digital governance and digital trust reforms that are necessary to create a secure and inclusive digital society.

“Together with the Government of Lesotho, UNDP is supporting an emerging portfolio of digital legislative reforms that seek to establish the legal foundations required for a modern digital state and digital economy” he said.

The Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill is under supervision of UNDP and Sponsored by MICSTI. It builds upon the National Digital Policy of 2024 and National Digital Transformation Strategy 2024.