Bokang Mofoka
DIGITAL technologies are increasingly transforming the way Basotho live, learn, communicate, and conduct business, but challenges such as cybercrime, limited connectivity, and high infrastructure costs continue to hinder the country’s progress toward an inclusive digital future.
This all emerged as the world commemorated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17 May, a day aimed at raising awareness about the role of communication technologies in socio-economic development and the need to bridge the digital divide so that no one is left behind in the digital era.
The annual commemoration raised awareness about the role of communication technologies in socio-economic development and the need to bridge the digital divide to ensure no one is left behind in the digital era.
The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) continues to play a central role in regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, postal services, internet access, and spectrum management in the country.
Speaking in an interview this week, LCA Chief of Information and Technology, Molupe Molupe, reflected on the evolution of communication technologies over the years.
“Back then there was telegram before the digital era, but things changed when cellphones and radios were introduced,” Mr Molupe said.
He explained that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates and regulates global telecommunications standards to ensure interoperability among communication systems.
“ITU coordinates and regulates cellphones and ensures that the standards used are interoperable telecommunications. It also coordinates the management of ICT alongside private organisations.”
He further noted that cyber security has become one of the major focus areas internationally.
Mr Molupe said the commemoration provides stakeholders with an opportunity to assess progress made within the ICT sector.
“The 17th of May is the day we check whether we are in line with what we should be doing,” he said.
This year’s theme is “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening ITU”.
Mr Molupe stressed that digital technology is no longer a luxury but an essential service supporting sectors such as education, healthcare, and business.
“Business is now happening on telecommunication platforms, and even government services are now accessible through digital and social media platforms.”
He outlined five key priority areas Lesotho is focusing on to ensure that no Mosotho is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.
The first area, he said, is expanding connectivity in both urban and rural communities.
“We want everyone connected, including underserved communities. However, because Lesotho is a mountainous country, connectivity does not happen without difficulties,” he explained.
The second focus area is financial services and e-commerce.
Mr Molupe said Basotho were increasingly embracing digital financial services such as mobile money platforms, including M-Pesa and EcoCash.
“The evidence is clear through the number of people using mobile money for transactions,” he said.
The third area focuses on education and healthcare.
“After COVID-19, learning became easier because digital platforms allowed students to apply for schools while at home and attend classes online. Even businesses are now able to hold workshops virtually,” he said.
The fourth priority area is cyber security and digital resilience. Mr Molupe warned internet users to remain cautious while browsing online.
“People can easily encounter advertisements or links that may lead to hacking and other cyber threats. Everyone must be careful when using the internet,” he cautioned.
The fifth area centres on the economy and the role technology plays in supporting different sectors. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities within the digital space instead of relying solely on traditional employment.
“Many youths complain about unemployment while the digital space provides opportunities to start businesses. The main challenge is often a lack of digital skills,” he said.
Despite the progress made, Mr Molupe acknowledged that Lesotho continued to face several ICT-related challenges.
He said the country’s mountainous terrain remained one of the biggest obstacles to nationwide connectivity, particularly in remote areas.
Another challenge, he noted, was the high cost of deploying telecommunications infrastructure across difficult terrain.
Mr Molupe also condemned the vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly electrical cables.
“When people steal cables, it does not only affect one person or one institution. It affects everyone because these systems are connected to health facilities and many other sectors,” he said.
Cybercrime was also highlighted as a growing concern as more people adopted digital technologies.
“As people continue embracing technology, they are also exposing themselves to threats from the digital space, including fraud and scams,” he said.
Mr Molupe revealed that Lesotho had strengthened its ability to trace cybercrime through the LCA’s Cyber Security Response Team working alongside police authorities.
“Right now, Lesotho is capable of tracing sources of cybercrime. The only challenge is the absence of strong laws regulating cybercrime, which would help hold offenders accountable,” he explained.
Addressing concerns over the high cost of mobile data, Mr Molupe said Lesotho’s data prices were comparatively lower than those of many countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), although affordability remained a challenge when measured against local salaries and the cost of living.
“Compared to other SADC countries, Lesotho’s data costs are relatively lower. The problem is that people compare them with their income levels and living expenses,” he said.
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