Planned Projects

DTIC-P: Digital Transformation & Inclusive Connectivity

Project Description:

The Development Objective of the DTIC-P is to strengthen Lesotho’s digital economy by expanding access to broadband
infrastructure and fostering digital capabilities across citizens and businesses to support job creation, innovation, and
improved competitiveness
.

Project Objectives:

  • Expand Climate-Smart Digital Infrastructure: Connect all 10 districts to a high-capacity, energy-efficient fiber backbone and
         extend broadband to 80% of the urban population, laying the digital foundation for inclusive growth and innovation
  • Develop Future-Ready Digital Talent: Train 20,000 youth (40% women) in core digital and advanced technologies, AI, data
          science, IoT, cybersecurity to fuel job creation and competitiveness in emerging sectors.
  • Accelerate Inclusive Digital and Climate-Tech Entrepreneurship: Support 250 startups and MSMEs in digital, cleantech, and
          climate-tech sectors with incubation, and growth support to drive green innovation and economic resilience.
  • Accelerate Inclusive Digital and Climate-Tech Entrepreneurship: Support 250 startups and MSMEs in digital, cleantech, and
         climate-tech sectors with incubation, and growth support to drive green innovation and economic resilience.
  • Foster a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem: Launch AI and frontier tech pilots in agriculture, education, health, and urban
         systems; promote digital inclusion and empower communities with localized skills and tools for climate resilience.

Project Outcomes:

  • Broadband access is expanded, and connectivity costs for
          low-income users are reduced.
  • Smaller Private Sector ISPs are supported to operate
          beyond Maseru, improving competition.
  • Trained youth, including many women, are placed in
         digital jobs, entrepreneurship, or further studies.
  • Digital jobs are created through support for
          entrepreneurship and MSME digitization.
  • Digital policies and laws are adopted by the cabinet, with
          strong stakeholder satisfaction.

Resources:

DTIC – Environment and Social Management Plan 

DTIC – Environment and Social Impact Assessment