• A symposium was held in Maseru on Wednesday.

• Science, technology and innovation are recognized as key roles in SDG achievement.

• Government prioritizes science and is committed to radical transformation.

When it comes to sustainable development goals, science, technology, and innovation have been globally recognized to play a key role in its achievement. The minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Matjato Moteane agreed with this on Wednesday when he said they are the key tools to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, the Africa Agenda 2063 in creating “the Africa we want” and the SADC protocols on STI. He said this when he was officially opening on behalf of the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the symposium held in Maseru.

The Department of Science and Technology organized the symposium with regional SADC Research Innovation Management. This symposium drew relevant stakeholders with the purpose to share knowledge and experience on how to improve research innovation management.

Mr. Moteane confirmed that the government has prioritized science and technology as key factors to ensure development in its National Strategic Development Plan II. He said that the issue of innovation is very important and the cabinet supports them.

In the same vein, Commonwealth Secretariat Senior Director of the Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships, and Digital Division, Mr. Joshua Setipa said that this commitment is to show support in efforts of research and innovation, making sure that they have become the order of the day locally, especially during these dynamic challenges of life. He also said that the goal is to build more prosperous, equitable, and resilient societies. He continued by saying, “Convening here today is testimony enough that the Lesotho government is committed towards radical transformation so as to grow the economy through science and technology.”

He also mentioned establishing an innovation hub by the Commonwealth, noting that the platform will serve as a knowledge, resource, and development of ideas meant to build RIM and ecosystems for the accomplishment of SDGs.

According to Dr. Konanani Rashamushe, a representative from the Department of Science in South Africa, there is a need for collaboration to realize the potential of science, especially in research and innovation. He also said that it is necessary that all actors in RIM work together, saying the scope of that collaboration can extend all the way from joint agenda 13 through purposely developing synergies among programs to pulling skills and financial resources as well as evaluating their own progress made so far.

Those in attendance were the Principal Secretary of MICSTI, Mr. Lira Moeti, the private sector, and senior government officials within the SADC region.