Moroke Sekoboto

PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has commended Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) for its unwavering leadership in driving the country’s innovative digital transformation.

Econet has made a lasting contribution to Lesotho’s connectivity and financial inclusion agenda through its investment in 5G, fibre, EcoCash, and EcoSure, Mr Matekane said.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Econet Digital Expo on Friday, Mr Matekane said such achievements are very important as they drive competitiveness, empower small businesses, and expand opportunities.

He said equally significant are Econet’s contributions in education through the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho.

“Close to 2000 Basotho scholars have benefited immensely from various interventions such as the Moshoeshoe I scholarship and the Capernaum Scholarship. For that, we remain eternally grateful,” Mr Matekane said.

“The story of Lesotho’s digital transformation is not Econet’s story alone. It is a story of partnership between government, business, and all citizens. Our National Digital Transformation Strategy (2024–2030), sets an ambitious roadmap to modernise our economy, strengthen e-government services, and expand broadband to every corner of our nation,” Mr Matekane said.

He shared his aspiration to ensure that no Mosotho is left behind so that even a shepherd in the mountains of Mokhotlong, a farmer in Quthing, and a student in Thaba-Tseka, would have the same opportunities as an entrepreneur in Maseru.

However, he conceded that challenges remain.

“Vandalism of network infrastructure undermines our progress while Cybercrime threatens our citizens’ safety, and digital exclusion still exists for too many households. But let me be clear: this government is committed to overcoming these obstacles, working hand in hand with our private sector partners, and guided always by the SDGs,” Mr Matekane said.

“On behalf of the government of Lesotho, I reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that this digital revolution serves the people of Lesotho, and that it brings us closer to a future where prosperity, equality, and innovation walk hand in hand,” Mr Matekane said.

Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nthati Moorosi, said Econet continues to play a pivotal role in the telecommunications landscape. Ms Moorosi said its expansion of fibre and 5G has placed Lesotho on the digital map, while its initiatives in financial inclusion have brought dignity and opportunity to millions.

“But beyond Econet’s efforts, the government itself has been equally determined to create an enabling environment. In the past year, we have approved and launched the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2024 – 2030), the National Digital Policy, and the AI Policy. Together, these documents form the backbone of our national digital agenda,” Ms Moorosi said.

She added that the National Digital Transformation Strategy speaks directly to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as it envisions a government that delivers more efficiently, transparently, and inclusively.

“Our AI policy looks ahead to ensure that emerging technologies serve not just economic growth, but also social justice and equality. And the National Digital Policy ties these together, ensuring that every Mosotho can share in the benefits of technology,” Ms Moorosi said.

The government, she said, has also worked hard to ensure that connectivity is not a privilege for the few.

“Through the Universal Service Fund, we have extended networks into the remotest corners of our mountainous kingdom. This is our way of fulfilling SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, ensuring that rural and urban citizens alike have access to digital opportunities,” Ms Moorosi said.

“Our progress in this field is not just about catching up with global trends. It is about using technology to transform healthcare through digital health systems that improve outcomes. It is about transforming education through e-learning platforms that reach rural children. It is about strengthening commerce through digital payments that open doors for entrepreneurs,” Ms Moorosi said.

ETL Chief Executive Officer, Dannis Plaatjies, said over the past years, they have made some bold moves like 5G that is now live across all the major towns in Lesotho, fibre which now connects nine districts, and they are already working on bringing Thaba-Tseka into that network.

Mr Plaatjies said the Econet tower across Lesotho is LTE- enabled.

“But this isn’t just about faster speeds. It’s about giving a child in Mokhotlong the same online learning opportunities as a child in Maseru. It’s about making sure a farmer in Quthing can use digital tools to access weather information, market prices, and mobile payments. It’s about creating equal opportunity, no matter where you live,” Mr Plaatjies said.

“When we invest in fibre, LTE, and 5G, we’re investing in inclusion — and in Lesotho’s digital economy. Our other big story is financial inclusion. Through EcoCash Spache-Fono and EcoSure Rebolokehile, we’ve transformed the way money flows in Lesotho. Just last year alone, more than M8 billion moved through EcoCash. That’s not just a number. That’s school fees being paid on time. That’s families sending money safely to loved ones. That’s small businesses growing and creating jobs,” Mr Plaatjies said.