During the panel discussion, Mr. Sello Malefane, Director of MESTECH, highlighted the urgent need to strategically integrate digital literacy and advanced ICT skills into Lesotho’s education system.

Reflecting on his own journey, he emphasized that many graduates leave school with academic knowledge but lack the practical digital skills required in the modern workplace. This creates a “skills gap” that makes it difficult for young people to compete internationally and burdens small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often cannot afford to train graduates for years before they become productive.

Mr. Malefane stressed that access to technology from an early stage—computers, mobile devices, and internet connectivity—is fundamental. Without it, students only encounter digital tools at university or the workplace, which puts them at a disadvantage. Early exposure, he argued, would prepare learners to use technology more effectively as they progress through their studies.

On the issue of public–private partnerships (PPPs), Mr. Malefane called for a more synergistic model between government, academia, and the private sector. Large corporations and government bodies should provide structured internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training programs that bridge the two-year “skills gap” faced by many graduates. SMEs, with their limited resources, cannot carry this burden alone.

He proposed that collaborative training programs should not only prepare students for the local job market but also equip them with globally competitive skills such as coding, which can be applied to international markets. “If you can code,” he noted, “you can deliver solutions for clients in Africa, America, Europe, or anywhere in the world.”

Finally, he emphasized that technology is not just an industry but a backbone of national development. By aligning curricula with industry needs and investing in digital capacity, Lesotho can empower its youth, reduce unemployment, and participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.