Senate chief urges Lesotho to embrace AI for services and youth jobs

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Principal Chief of Kueneng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, has called on the government to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a way of improving service delivery, strengthening Parliament and creating new opportunities for Basotho.

Chief Peete made the call while presenting a Motion before the Senate this week. He urged the government to encourage the use of AI among Members of Parliament and across public institutions to improve efficiency and reduce delays in government services.

He said AI has the potential to change the way institutions operate if it is properly managed and regulated. According to the Chief, many government services in Lesotho are often delayed because systems still depend heavily on manual processes and human labour.

He noted that technologies powered by AI could help speed up the issuing of passports and other important documents, while also reducing pressure on government employees.

Chief Peete explained that unlike human beings, AI systems are able to work continuously without being affected by emotions, tiredness or personal attitudes. He said this could help improve consistency in the delivery of services to the public.

He further stated that AI could also help Parliament improve its work by assisting lawmakers in developing laws and policies that respond quickly to changes taking place around the world.

According to him, Lesotho often takes too long to amend laws and policies, leaving the country behind in areas such as technology, business and social development. He said AI tools can help legislators access information faster, study global trends and make informed decisions more efficiently.

The Principal Chief also highlighted the growing use of AI in education in different countries around the world. He said some schools and institutions are already using AI systems to support teaching and learning.

He explained that AI-powered learning systems are capable of adapting lessons according to the pace and understanding of each learner. He said this can help learners who struggle to keep up in traditional classroom settings.

Chief Peete said some students fail certain subjects not because they are incapable, but because teachers are sometimes unable to accommodate different learning abilities and speeds in one classroom.

He argued that AI can provide a more personalised learning experience because it is able to detect a learner’s level of understanding and adjust lessons without frustration or discrimination.

Beyond education and governance, Chief Peete stressed that Lesotho should not only focus on consuming technologies developed by other countries, but should also work towards becoming a producer of AI solutions.

He said countries that create and develop AI technologies are benefiting economically through innovation, trade and employment creation, while countries that only consume such technologies continue to depend on others.

He also spoke about the opportunities AI can create for young people in the country. He said with proper training and support, many young Basotho can use AI to start businesses, improve their livelihoods and create jobs for themselves and others.

The Chief encouraged government institutions and educational centres to equip young people with digital and technological skills that will allow them to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

He further noted that AI could bring major benefits to people living with disabilities. According to him, technology can help improve access to information, increase independence and create flexible working opportunities outside the traditional office environment.

However, while praising the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, Chief Peete warned that the technology can also be dangerous if it is not properly controlled. He cautioned that AI systems can be misused to spread false information, invade privacy or expose institutions and individuals to cybersecurity threats.

For that reason, he urged the government to establish proper laws, policies and regulatory systems to guide the responsible use of AI in Lesotho. He stressed that the country must ensure that technology is used ethically and in ways that protect citizens rather than harming them.

Globally, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming part of everyday life and is now being used in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, banking, education and public administration. Many governments across the world are investing heavily in AI technologies to improve productivity, strengthen decision-making and reduce operational costs.

In healthcare, AI is being used to help detect diseases early and improve patient care. In agriculture, farmers are using technology to predict weather patterns, monitor crops and improve production. Financial institutions are also using AI to improve customer services, detect fraud and process transactions more efficiently.

Chief Peete’s Motion comes at a time when conversations around technology and digital transformation are growing across Africa, with many governments seeking ways to modernise public services and improve economic growth.

If adopted and properly implemented, the proposals raised in the Senate could open discussions on how Lesotho can position itself in the fast-changing global technological landscape while ensuring that no one is left behind.

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