Maseru, 28th July – Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) and the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) have today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will

strengthen collaboration in driving digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation and

entrepreneurship as catalysts for inclusive and sustainable development in Lesotho.

Signed by ETL Chief Executive Officer Mr Dennis Plaatjies and UNDP Deputy Resident

Representative Dr Taye Amssalu, the agreement builds on a partnership that began in 2020 and was

expanded in 2022 to harness digital technologies in support of national development priorities.

The renewed partnership reflects both organizations’ shared vision of creating a digitally empowered

Lesotho where technology improves lives, expands economic opportunities and strengthens public
service delivery.

The MoU outlines cooperation across three strategic pillars:

• Digital Transformation, Connectivity and Artificial Intelligence, including support for digital
  public infrastructure, AI adoption, broadband connectivity, cloud technologies and digital
  solutions that improve service delivery across key sectors.
• Innovation Ecosystem Development, Research and Capacity Building, through initiatives
  such as the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD), the establishment of a National AI
  Academy, research collaborations, innovation challenges and skills development for young
  people and innovators.
• Entrepreneurship, MSME Development and Strategic Partnerships, promoting digital
  entrepreneurship, access to finance, AI-enabled business solutions, technology-driven value
  chains and stronger collaboration between government, academia, development partners and
  the private sector.
  
  Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Dennis Plaatjies, Chief Executive Officer of Econet Telecom
  Lesotho, noted:
  
  “Today’s agreement represents our continuing commitment to help shape Lesotho’s digital future.
  Connectivity is no longer simply about communication but a foundation for innovation, economic
  growth and inclusive development. Together with UNDP, Econet will help create opportunities that
  empower entrepreneurs, equip young people with future-ready digital skills and accelerate the
  responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence for national development.”
  On his part, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Dr Taye Amssalu said:
  “Digital transformation is one of the most powerful enablers of sustainable development. Through
  this strengthened partnership with Econet Telecom Lesotho, we aim to support Lesotho in building inclusive digital ecosystems that create jobs, strengthen institutions, improve public service delivery and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.”
  
  The collaboration will also support the implementation of Lesotho’s emerging Artificial Intelligence policy framework while encouraging ethical, secure and inclusive AI development. It further seeks to strengthen local innovation ecosystems through research, technology transfer, startup incubation and strategic investment partnerships.
  
  As Lesotho continues its digital transformation journey, ETL and UNDP believe the renewed partnership will contribute meaningfully towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while positioning the country as an emerging regional leader in digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence.