Artificial Intelligence law at Lesotho
Lesotho is actively developing a national framework to govern artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to harness its transformative potential while ensuring ethical deployment aligned with the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).(Lena)
🇱🇸 Lesotho’s AI Policy Framework
In January 2025, the government of Lesotho, through the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MICSTI), concluded a three-day validation workshop focusing on three pivotal policies: broadband and shared infrastructure, data management, and AI. The AI policy, a central component of this initiative, seeks to integrate AI technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing, to drive economic growth and innovation. The policy emphasizes responsible AI deployment, addressing concerns such as privacy, bias, and accountability, while supporting local development goals .(Lesotho News, NRD Companies)
📄 Draft AI Policy Implementation Plan
The government has released a draft AI policy implementation plan, outlining strategies for the responsible use of AI in Lesotho. This document serves as a roadmap for integrating AI technologies into the country's development agenda, ensuring that their deployment aligns with national priorities and ethical standards .(gov.ls)
🌍 Regional and Global Context
Lesotho's efforts are in line with broader regional initiatives, such as the African Union's Draft Policy on AI, which encourages member states to develop national AI strategies emphasizing data safety, security, and ethical use . Additionally, the European Union's forthcoming Artificial Intelligence Act serves as a potential governance model, highlighting the importance of regulatory frameworks in managing AI's impact on society .(CIPESA, Lesotho Between Headlines)
⚖️ Legal and Ethical Considerations
While Lesotho does not yet have specific AI regulations, the recent enactment of the Computer and Cyber Security Bill 2023 marks a proactive step in addressing digital governance challenges. The government is also exploring strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts of AI on employment and local industries, ensuring that technological advancements do not undermine the livelihoods of its citizens .(Lesotho Between Headlines)
🧭 Future Outlook
Lesotho's commitment to developing a comprehensive AI policy framework reflects its recognition of AI's potential to drive sustainable development and innovation. The ongoing stakeholder engagements and policy validations indicate a collaborative approach to shaping a digital future that is inclusive, ethical, and aligned with national development objectives.(Lesotho News)
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