FOREWORD
The constant evolution of technology brings about major paradigm shifts in human
society. For example, our ability to develop technologies to harness food and energy from
plants and animals and later from non-living sources such as coal, water, solar and wind
led to the agricultural and industrial revolutions. Recent advancements in
communications, computing and information technologies have brought about today’s
Information Revolution. As in times past, this new paradigm requires that we learn new
skills, employ new technologies and use different resources. Most importantly, we must
learn to use technology to do things differently.
Information has become the most valuable instrument for development in the Information
Age. The key is to use it in such a way as to leap frog stages of development in order to
rapidly attain a thriving economy and a society where each individual can achieve her or
his full potential. In our quest to achieve prosperity, we should not lose sight of the
opportunities offered by the technologies driving the Information Revolution to preserve
our culture, expand our horizons and develop a more participatory democracy.
The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology has formulated this ICT
Policy to provide the nation with a vision and strategy for becoming a fully integrated
member of the Information Society.
The policy is intended to unite Government,
industry, civil society and the general public in the achievement of its national
development goals. It identifies key areas of the economy that will serve as catalysts in
driving the policy towards its fruition. It endeavors to reduce the digital divide between
the “haves” and the “have nots,” to promote gender equality, protect the environment and
to improve food security and the standard of living of all Basotho. It also strives to
promote a healthy society capable of exploiting the full potential of ICTs.
This is a tall order considering that less than one percent of the population owns a
computer or has access to the Internet. Only eight percent own a telephone and fewer still
have access to electrical power. And, all too frequently, those with access to information
and communications technologies do not fully understand how to use them. The nation’s
ICT Policy for Lesotho
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