By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – To revolutionize public service delivery, the Government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Information, has launched the Public Sector Foundation Project (PSF) funded by World Bank.
The LPSFSDP is said to strengthen expenditure and improve services delivery by reducing leakages in public service resources. Offer online services using ID biometrics so people in rural areas especially women will not travel long distances to for public services, it is also set to increase data security exchange. Enhance payrolls and improve workplace productivity.
This initiative is set to transform government operations by streamlining services, enhancing efficiency, and boosting transparency through a shared digital platform[U1] (PSF) which is to be launched by MICSTI. The launch comes as technological innovation is increasingly seen as essential to driving economic growth and public sector reform.
The initiative also prioritizes women entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas. Women often face barriers in accessing essential services such as business registration, taxation, and compliance.
With the new digital platform, these services will be more accessible online, reducing the time and costs associated with visiting government offices. This will be especially beneficial for women in remote regions, where distance and limited resources have historically hindered access to government services.
In her opening remarks, Minister of Finance Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane emphasized the government’s commitment to improving public services. “This initiative, funded by the World Bank, reflects our dedication to strengthening public service delivery and managing public expenditure effectively.
Through collaboration, capacity building, and sustained effort, we aim to transform how the public sector operates, ensuring greater accountability, efficiency, and enhanced service to our people,” she said.
Dr. Matlanyane also called upon all stakeholders, government officials, development partners, and civil servants to work together to realize the full potential of this project.
She further highlighted that the Public Sector Foundation is built around three key components designed to enhance public service delivery;
A unified digital platform which will allow government departments and agencies to share data, resources, and services in real time. This is expected to break down silos, improve communication between governmental entities, and boost the speed and accuracy of service delivery to citizens.
Recognizing that technology alone cannot drive change, the initiative also includes a robust capacity-building program. This will equip public sector employees with the skills necessary to operate within the new digital framework, ensuring better service delivery across all levels of government.
In his address, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Mpiti Stephen Mpiti, highlighted the importance of quality service delivery as the cornerstone of any government’s function. However, he noted that financial constraints have made it increasingly difficult to address the shortfalls in the public sector.
“The World Bank’s support is timely,” said Hon. Mpiti, “as we are facing challenges on multiple fronts, requiring innovative solutions to improve public sector productivity and manage the wage bill, which remains disproportionately high compared to GDP.”
The platform will also create opportunities for women-owned businesses by fostering public-private partnerships and simplifying regulatory processes. Women will find it easier to participate in public procurement, allowing them to supply goods and services for government projects. This is expected to promote economic growth and job creation within the female entrepreneurial community.
One of the key obstacle’s women face in business is a lack of access to digital tools and skills. The Public Sector Foundation’s focus on digital inclusion will ensure that women have access to the resources and training necessary to fully participate in the digital economy. With improved digital literacy and easier access to e-governance platforms, women can more effectively manage their businesses and leverage government support.
Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, spoke on the importance of digital transformation in the modern world. “As the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation, we are committed to steering Lesotho towards a future where digital solutions are at the core of public service delivery,” she stated.
Hon. Moorosi emphasized that the National Digital Transformation Strategy, supported by the Public Sector Foundation, is a critical catalyst for innovation, inclusive economic growth, and improved service delivery.
She also expressed gratitude to the World Bank and key government ministries, including the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Finance, for their role in advancing this initiative.
The digital infrastructure will simplify complex regulatory processes for businesses, particularly benefiting small enterprises run by women. The streamlined processes for obtaining licenses, permits, and tax filings will reduce bureaucratic hurdles, freeing up time for entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses.
The initiative’s focus on public-private collaboration will create opportunities for mentorship, networking, and capacity-building programs tailored to women entrepreneurs. This gender-sensitive approach aligns with the government’s broader goals of fostering women’s economic empowerment and ensuring that women have an equal stake in the country’s development. The launch of the Public Sector Foundation marks a significant step in Lesotho’s efforts to modernize public service delivery and promote economic growth.
[U1]Eleng efeng? I get it but what is this digital platform, how does it work?? How does it prioritize women?