During a high-profile visit yesterday, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub emphasised the company’s dedication to enhancing Lesotho’s digital landscape, highlighting its significance as an integral part of Vodacom’s identity.
Lesotho is historically important for Vodacom, as it was the first nation outside South Africa to grant the telecoms firm an operating license in 1995. Currently, Vodacom Lesotho is the leading mobile service provider, catering to over 1.2 million subscribers and dominating the market.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Sam Matekane, Joosub outlined Vodacom’s commitment to advancing Lesotho’s national digital agenda. Key areas of focus include developing e-payment systems, youth empowerment initiatives, and enhancing cybersecurity measures.
“We covered various topics, including digital and financial inclusion, as well as how Vodacom can collaborate with the government to support its digital goals,” Joosub stated. He also emphasised the importance of unlocking new opportunities to create jobs for the youth within a digital economy.
A standout initiative is the partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch the Digital Skills Hub, a no-cost training platform to equip the youth of Lesotho with valuable digital and technological skills. “We aim to foster a robust digital ecosystem that ensures no one is left behind,” Joosub remarked.
Presenting Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy to staff during a town hall meeting, Joosub highlighted pillars such as empowering individuals, protecting the environment, and establishing a resilient business grounded in trust, loyalty, and technological innovation.
In Lesotho, this vision translates into ongoing investments in 4G and 5G connectivity, the expansion of mobile money services, and support for infrastructure, educational, and healthcare projects.
Referred to as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” Lesotho is vital for Vodacom’s historical growth. It serves as a potential blueprint for inclusive digital development in emerging markets across the continent.
“Our connection to Lesotho is profound. It marked our first move beyond South Africa and will continue to be a focal point as we work to enhance lives through technology,” Joosub concluded.
