Maseru, May 08 __ The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms. Nthati Moorosi has held a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Tech Envoy, Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, on the sidelines of engagements in New York on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on four key areas of cooperation aimed at advancing Lesotho’s digital transformation agenda.

On open source and digital public infrastructure, Lesotho has been invited to co-host the United Nations Open Source Week scheduled for June 22 to 26, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The Minister confirmed the country’s participation, indicating that it will showcase work done in partnership with UNICEF on Digital Public Infrastructure Safeguards, with particular focus on protecting children in digital spaces.

The initiative contributes to global efforts to build safe, inclusive and rights-based digital systems, in line with commitments under the Global Digital Compact adopted at the UN Summit of the Future in September 2024

Regarding open source policy and centres of excellence, the Government of Lesotho has taken a strategic decision to build its Digital Public Infrastructure on open source platforms. Current pilot projects include digital identity systems, interoperability frameworks and digital payment solutions.

Minister Moorosi requested technical support from the Office of the UN Tech Envoy to assist in developing a national Open Source Policy and implementation framework, as well as establishing centres of excellence in selected tertiary institutions to strengthen local digital skills.

On digital public goods, Lesotho expressed its intention to move from being a consumer to an active contributor by sharing locally developed digital solutions with the global community.

The Ministry also called for stronger collaboration with the GovStack Secretariat to ensure that the country’s systems are aligned with internationally recognised standards.

The meeting further discussed data centre investment.

Ms. Moorosi outlined that Lesotho’s ambition to position itself as a destination for such infrastructure.
She indicated that the country is targeting regional operators and international investors.
Support was requested to develop a national data centre investment plan and to organise a high-level stakeholder event to promote Lesotho’s digital infrastructure opportunities.

Lesotho joined the 50-in-5 campaign in May 2024, committing to develop its digital public infrastructure using open, interoperable systems.

Two years later, the Ministry says it is making progress, with current engagements at the United Nations reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s digital transformation efforts.