The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

This strategy addresses Lesotho’s recognition that artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly worldwide while the country does not yet have AI‑specific legislation or a coordinated governance framework. It highlights AI as a source of opportunity for economic development, improved public services and social progress, while also recognising risks related to non‑determinism, bias, privacy, safety and job displacement. The strategy identifies challenges including limited institutional capacity, shortages of AI‑related skills, high infrastructure costs and persistent socio‑economic inequalities that could limit the benefits of AI if not addressed.

The policy framework is structured around seven stated objectives: establishing leadership and governance; developing legislation and ensuring compliance; building AI capacity; building and providing AI infrastructure; leveraging AI to boost productivity, diversify the economy, and create high‑value jobs; ensuring inclusiveness and ethical usage of AI; and promoting international alignment and sustainability. These objectives are supported by policy statements and an implementation plan that outline actions such as creating AI governance bodies, introducing AI‑specific legislation, integrating AI into education and training, expanding connectivity and computing resources, and supporting innovation through regulatory sandboxes, research centres, innovation labs and financial mechanisms.

The strategy promotes AI integration in healthcare, agriculture, education, public services and sustainability‑related applications, reflecting areas where AI is expected to improve service delivery and productivity. It builds on existing strengths, including universities, emerging research activities, national digital transformation initiatives and cooperation with international organisations, while emphasising the need for coordination within a single national AI framework.

Governance and ethics are addressed through a three‑tier AI governance setup consisting of an AI policymaker, an independent AI regulator and a Data and AI Committee operating as a multi‑stakeholder advisory platform. Ethical and oversight measures include AI ethics guidelines, bias mitigation programmes, data protection and privacy measures, safety and risk‑management protocols for high‑risk AI systems, audit and reporting requirements, and public participation mechanisms. A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with indicators, targets and timelines from 2025 to 2030 is defined to support tracking of implementation progress.