INFORMATION COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY LESSONS FROM LESOTHO 2007-2013, BENCHMARKING AND EVALUATING TOWARDS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ICT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES.

Abstract

This article examines whether there is a significant shift from traditional government practise to modernisedInformation Communication Technology project management approach. ICT can have a wizard effect on speedingof development process of the country. ICT make it possible to deliver information by means of voice, text, data,video and graphics faster and more efficiently than before. [5]The implementation f ICT policies, strategies anddevelopments provide an enabling environment for Government to work with the private sector and civil society toimprove and expand access to information for all its citizens. There are many challenges and obstacles that Lesothoas country is facing in the implementation of ICT policies and strategies. The key among these obstacles has beenidentified in various ICT professional reports as the lack of a unified approach through the entire Governmentministries, agencies and public sectors. Lesotho Government has been identified as the key driver of these policiesand strategies by actively engaging the public in the process. Lesotho has pronounced its dream which is to be fullyincorporated member of the Information Society. Why obstacles? Can Lesotho achieve the ambitious dream in 10years to come and regained the cost-effective developing world through the use of ICT as tool for growing Lesothoeconomic and if so, how? This paper looks into the processes by reviewing the Lesotho ICT policies and strategiesbetween periods of 2007 to 2013. Benchmarking process as a supporting tool for policy and strategy implementationhas been applied and the results are discussed. These lessons may have relevance to many developing countries,including those on the African continent. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations on how the policiesand strategies review processes should be carried out.

Keywords: ICT, policy, strategy, benchmarking, Lesotho, Government.