MASERU, Feb. 10 – The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) plans to conduct a series of sensitisation meetings as part of the review of the Communications Policy of 2008 and the Communications Act of 2012.
This was disclosed by MICSTI Principal Secretary, Mr. Kanono Ramashamole, in an interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA) on Tuesday.
Mr. Ramashamole said the meetings, some of which will be held virtually, are intended to engage key stakeholders during this critical phase of reviewing the policy and the Act.
He noted that both the Communications Policy and the Act are outdated, adding that rapid technological advancement and convergence in the communications sector require the country, through the Ministry, to respond accordingly to avoid being left behind.
The Principal Secretary explained that stakeholder involvement through meetings and consultations will enable meaningful engagement and deliberation, ensuring that their views are incorporated into the review process.
Meanwhile, he reiterated that the initiative comes at a time when the government has successfully approved the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, marking a significant milestone towards the adoption of AI in Lesotho.
He further stated that other developments include the launch of the Digital Policy and the approval of broadband infrastructure, adding that the Ministry is also in the final stages of developing a Data Management Policy.
Mr. Ramashamole highlighted the importance of having policies and laws that are aligned, particularly in the digital era, noting that such alignment is crucial to support content creators by creating a level playing field that enables them to generate income and create employment.
The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation envisions becoming a vibrant information hub and a leader in technology and research, as the country moves towards an innovative, stable and sustainable democracy.
ENDS/AM/BM
