The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Lesotho, officially launched the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) on 6 August. The launch marked an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology and innovation into its human development agenda. 

Themed “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, the 2025 HDR builds on global discussions initiated during its unveiling in Brussels earlier this year. The report highlights how the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies is reshaping societies, economies, and human relationships presenting both opportunities and risks. 

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, reflected on Lesotho’s progress since the first Global Human Development Report in 1990. She noted that Lesotho had developed three national Human Development Reports focusing on human security, poverty, food security, and youth empowerment. 

Dr. Matlanyane emphasized that the latest report provides groundbreaking analysis on a wide range of critical development issues and serves as an advocacy platform for inclusive national development. “In 2024, Lesotho evaluated human progress and identified technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development,” she said. 

The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Nthati Moorosi, commended the 2025 HDR for underscoring the human aspect of digital transformation. “In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the freedom to choose is not only a core component of development but also a pathway to advancing it,” she said. Hon. Moorosi further highlighted the report’s call for countries to create enabling environments for digital access, stressing that “the real divide will be in how effectively AI complements what people do.” 

She noted that the report sheds light on slow progress in human development and widening inequalities between rich and poor nations but also offers solutions, urging countries to collaborate with AI rather than compete against it and to shift from technology-driven to people-centered development approaches. 

UNDP Resident Representative ai . Taye Amssalu congratulated the Government of Lesotho for its leadership in driving digital transformation and policy innovation. He noted that the report’s findings align with the country’s vision for an inclusive digital future. 

Mr. Amssalu emphasized that digital transformation must be rooted in people’s realities and aspirations. “We must ensure that no one is left offline in Lesotho’s digital future. The promise of inclusion and opportunity must reach even the most remote communities,” he added. 

The 2025 Human Development Report lays the foundation for building human, institutional, and regulatory capacity to ensure that AI empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable progress. It further provides a roadmap for countries like Lesotho to balance technological advancement with equity, inclusion, and human well-being ensuring that digital transformation becomes a tool for shared prosperity. 

There was also a panel discussion that brought together stakeholders from the private sector, academia, government, and the business community. The panel featured Mr. Thapeli Tjabane, Director General of ICT at the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI) Dr. Mohlalefi Sefika, Managing Director of Computer Business Solutions (CBS); Dr. Lehlohonolo Mohasi, Director of ICT at the National University of Lesotho (NUL); Mr. Tello Leballo, Executive Director of Sky Alpha; and Ms. Reabetsoe Angela Mapola, Chief Entrepreneur and Innovation Lead at Skill Bridge. 

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Leseko Makhetha from the National University of Lesotho. 

The ceremony was marked by the Report presentation followed by a panel discussion with Government, Civil Society, Private Sector, Academia and Youth Representatives.