International · Priscilla Asante
Lesotho becomes first country to implement UN AI Blueprint
Lesotho has become the first country to implement the United Nations’ Blueprint for National AI and Data Strategies, which helps governments move from AI strategy development to implementation.
The country will implement the first phase of its National Compute Roadmap 2026-2029, which addresses computing capacity alongside energy, water, financing and skills requirements.
Lesotho plans to direct AI and digital infrastructure toward agriculture, healthcare, education, water management and public services while retaining national control over its digital t ransformation.
The initiative aims to strengthen Lesotho’s capacity to develop, use and govern artificial intelligence rather than rely exclusively on solutions developed elsewhere. The UN framework helps countries identify their needs and design national strategies that remain appropriate and achievable. However, Lesotho plans to expand its AI capabilities beyond the construction of data centers.
The government also aims to strengthen access to computing power, data and skills. The country already has several digital policies, a government data center and a national AI policy that it adopted in August 2026.
The government will next implement the first phase of its National Compute Roadmap 2026-2029 . The roadmap will guide the development of the country’s computing capacity while taking into account energy, water, financing and skills requirements.
Meanwhile, the government plans to tailor these investments to domestic needs. Lesotho will develop digital infrastructure that supports practical applications in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, water management and public services.
The initiative follows a workshop that Lesotho organized in Maserufrom August 17 to 21, 2026, with UN support. Participants discussed computing power, energy, connectivity, data, skills and financing.
The discussions produced a draft national roadmap for computing capacity. The Lesotho government intends to retain control over its digital transformation while drawing on support from international partners. Guinea is expected to become the next country to implement the framework.