For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In early 2025, a draft of Lesotho’s ‘Artificial Intelligence Policy and Implementation Plan’ (the “Draft AI Policy”) was released.1
Definitions of AI
The Draft AI policy defines “Artificial Intelligence” as: “A machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, observe its environment and make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments.”
Core Principles
The Draft AI Policy identifies six guiding principles as follows: (i) Safety and Reliability; (ii) Ethics, Accountability, Fairness, Human Rights, and Inclusion; (iii) Privacy Protection; (iv) Economic Stability and Job Impact; (v) Promoting Innovation, Global Competitiveness and Cooperation; and (vi) Security and Prevention of Misuse.
Public Consultations
The Draft AI Policy has been opened for public review, with stakeholders invited to provide feedback.2
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Lesotho3
- National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) Strategic Focus 2023/24 - 2027/28, which extends NSDP II (2018/19 - 2022/23)4
- National Digital Transformation Strategy: Agenda 20305
- Lesotho Communications Policy 20086
- Research and Innovation Policy, dated 20217
- Communications Act, 2012 (Act No. 4 of 2012)8
- Data Protection Act, 2011 (Act No. 5 of 2012)9
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Lesotho has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Lesotho includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.10 Article 11 guarantees the right to privacy (protection of private and family life, and of home). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 5), freedom of expression (Article 14), non-discrimination (Article 18), and equality (Article 19). Healthcare, education, and work are identified under principles of State policy (Articles 27, 28, and 29, respectively). Lesotho has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has signed but not ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI)11
- Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA)12
- Lesotho Standards Institution13
- Office of the Ombudsman14
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of significant investments or multi-stakeholder initiatives on AI within the country.
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
