29/07/2025
LESOTHO SUPPORTS AFRICA'S NEW DIGITAL ROADMAP FOR BETTER MOBILE COVERAGE AND CONNECTIVITY
July 29, 2025 - Lesotho has joined other African countries in endorsing a new plan aimed at enhancing mobile network coverage and internet access across the continent. This was done during an important online meeting held by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), where governments and experts came together to validate the ATU IMT Spectrum Roadmap. This document guides how African countries will manage and use radio frequencies (spectrum) to grow digital services.
Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), Mr Kanono Ramashamole, represented Lesotho at the meeting. He thanked the ATU Secretariat, led by Secretary General Mr John Omo, and all the experts and countries that helped develop the roadmap.
“This roadmap is not just timely—it is strategic,” said Mr Ramashamole. “It comes at a time when Africa is speeding up its digital progress and preparing to speak with one voice in global talks about spectrum use.”
Mr Ramashamole said the timing of the roadmap is very important, as it comes just days before the African Preparatory Meeting (APM27-2) in Nairobi. This meeting is part of Africa’s preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27), where countries from around the world will agree on how radio frequencies are used globally.
He explained that the roadmap will help African countries manage mobile frequencies better—especially those in the low-band range below 1 GHz, which are very useful for reaching people in rural and hard-to-reach places. In Lesotho, where many communities are spread out and located in mountainous areas, these low frequencies are key to making sure everyone gets connected.
“This plan is not just about technical matters,” he said. “It is about improving lives. It supports important services like e-health, mobile money, e-government and even cross-border trade. It can help lift communities by bringing better internet access and digital opportunities.”
Mr Ramashamole said for the roadmap to truly work, countries must also invest in mobile towers, affordable devices, and power supply. He also said national regulators must be prepared to work with regional partners and speak strongly for Africa’s needs at global level. He added that policies must be fair and ensure no one is left behind, especially people in remote areas, women, and youth.
In the past, Lesotho has taken part in major spectrum discussions, including preparations for WRC-19 and WRC-23. These efforts have helped Lesotho secure mobile network frequencies that allow for 4G and 5G-ready coverage, even in remote districts. With more people depending on digital services for education, health, banking, and government help, spectrum access is now essential for every Mosotho.
The newly approved roadmap will guide Lesotho and other African countries on how to use the most effective parts of the spectrum to reach wider areas at lower cost. This will allow telecom companies to offer faster internet in villages and deep rural areas, helping improve lives and create economic opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Mr Ramashamole thanked all the member states for their active participation, thoughtful contributions, and shared commitment to Africa’s digital future. He gave special thanks to the Vice-Chair Miss Stella, the Bureau, Secretary General Mr Omo, and the ATU Secretariat for their strong leadership. He also praised Engineer Mwale for helping run the meeting smoothly and thanked the technical team for their hard work on the roadmap.
He called the successful validation of the ATU IMT Spectrum Roadmap a major milestone. “This shows our shared vision of a connected and inclusive Africa,” he said. “We are not managing spectrum alone anymore—we are working together to bring real change to all corners of the continent.”
He also reminded delegates of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 17, which encourages partnerships and cooperation. “This meeting proved that Africa is serious about working together,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next African Preparatory Meeting (APM27-2) in Nairobi on 11 August 2025, and later WRC-27, Mr Ramashamole said the roadmap will guide Africa in speaking with one voice and securing its digital future.
“I look forward to seeing all of you in Nairobi,” he said. “As we take the next steps together, I wish you all safe travels.”
