By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), recently hosted a ground-breaking Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) conference at Lerotholi Polytechnic.
This year’s theme “Global Science for Global Wellbeing,” provides a platform for 100 of Lesotho’s most promising innovators to pitch their ground-breaking ideas. This initiative aims to foster innovation, stimulate economic growth, and advance sustainable development in the country.
The range of participants includes young innovators, people with disabilities, and even elderly individuals, highlighting its inclusive approach. Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, expressed her profound gratitude to UNDP for spearheading this important initiative.
“Innovation is not just an idea, it is a way of helping change the world,” She underscored that the conference is a platform for the top 100 innovators, chosen from a pool of 200, to showcase their ideas. Out of these, only the best 30 innovators will advance to represent Lesotho at the prestigious Youth Connekt Summit in Rwanda. This provides not only recognition but also opportunities for these innovators to gain international exposure and secure potential partnerships or investments.
Hon. Moorosi also noted that the Ministry is set to implement the 2023–2024 policy, which aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
This policy framework is designed to ensure that the innovations presented at the conference will directly contribute to sustainable development in Lesotho, addressing various socio-economic challenges such as healthcare, education, and energy access.
UNDP Resident Representative in Lesotho, Dr. Jacqueline Olweya, highlighted that this is the second year the UNDP is organizing the conference in Lesotho. She praised the increased interest and participation, stating, “There were 600 submissions in 2023, while there were 1,944 submissions in 2024.” The significant rise in submissions demonstrates a growing culture of innovation in Lesotho.
Dr. Olweya emphasized the inclusivity of this year’s event, noting that 144 participants with disabilities and several elderly individuals, including one as old as 84, are actively involved. This demonstrates UNDP’s commitment to ensuring that innovation in Lesotho is inclusive and accessible to all, thereby harnessing a broader spectrum of talent and ideas.
Principal Secretary (PS) of MICSTI, Kanono Ramashamole, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to driving digital transformation and fostering digital businesses in Lesotho. “Some of the ideas provided by these innovators will come out alive and help provide jobs,” he stated, expressing optimism that the innovations showcased will eventually be incubated and scaled up to create economic opportunities.
The conference is expected to significantly contribute to job creation by supporting start-ups and new ventures that emerge from the innovative ideas presented. The Ministry’s focus on digital transformation aligns with global trends toward digital economies and offers a pathway to modernize Lesotho’s economy.
The MICSTI and UNDP STEAM conference represents a critical step toward positioning Lesotho as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. By encouraging local innovators to think globally, the conference aims to Boost Economic Growth, Create Employment Opportunities, Promote Inclusive Development by involving people with disabilities and older individuals, the conference promotes a more inclusive approach to development. This inclusivity ensures that innovation benefits all segments of society, reducing inequalities and fostering social cohesion.
The conference enhances Global Competitiveness such as participation in international forums, like the Sebabatso Youth Connect Summit in Rwanda, which allows Lesotho’s innovators to gain exposure, attract investment, and build partnerships, enhancing the country’s competitiveness on a global scale.
As Lesotho moves forward, the MICSTI and UNDP STEAM conference sets the stage for a future driven by innovation, creativity, and collaboration. The government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem, coupled with UNDP’s support, is expected to empower local innovators, drive sustainable economic growth, and position Lesotho as a leader in science, technology, and creative arts within the region.