Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) took centre stage this week with the return of its flagship event, Econet Digital Expo, to drive Lesotho’s digital economy.
Held under the theme “Digital First: Shaping Lesotho’s Tomorrow,” the four-day festival took place at Maseru Mall from August 26 to 29. The closing ceremony is scheduled for this evening, wrapping up what has become Lesotho’s largest technology showcase.
Now in its third year, the Econet expo has grown into a major platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. It brings together stakeholders from across sectors to explore how digital technologies can shape Lesotho’s economic and social development.
Speaking at the official launch, Lebohang Ramaisa, ETL’s General Manager for Sales and Services, emphasised the event’s role in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
“We are not just launching an event, we are reaffirming our commitment to a connected and prosperous future for Lesotho,” Ramaisa said.
“The needs of our customers have evolved and so have we. This Expo is a physical manifestation of our journey from a traditional telecommunications company to a complete digital services provider.”
The expo comes at a crucial time for Lesotho, as the country pushes forward with its National Digital Transformation Strategy. The participation of officials from the Ministry of Communications, Science, and Technology (MCISTI) highlights the collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing digital innovation.
Ramaisa commended government efforts in laying the groundwork for this shift, citing progress in cybersecurity frameworks, AI policies, and data governance, all vital for building a sustainable digital ecosystem.
A highlight of this year’s expo is ETL’s nationwide rollout of 5G connectivity, making Lesotho one of the first countries in Africa to deploy the technology across all ten districts.
“While others talk about 5G, we have already made it a reality, delivering minimum speeds of 70Mbps and enabling low-latency services that can power future innovations,” Ramaisa declared, drawing applause from the audience.
This milestone positions Lesotho as a continental leader in digital infrastructure, opening opportunities for advanced services in health, education, agriculture, and finance.
Throughout the week, visitors explored various zones featuring digital innovations such as EcoCash and EcoSure, which continue to drive financial inclusion and job creation with over 10,000 agents and merchants nationwide.
Other attractions included demonstrations of connected living through ETL’s Wi-Fi Plus service, tailored digital tools for small businesses and enterprises, as well as gaming and digital entertainment that proved a major hit with youth and digital creatives.
New product offerings were also unveiled, including Unlimited Wi-Fi Plus for high-speed internet at home and in the office, OmniVoice as a unified voice platform for modern business communication, EcoTicket as a seamless digital ticketing solution, and upgrades to EcoCash for faster and safer transactions.
Cybersecurity has also been a central theme, with partners such as Fortinet and Hitachi engaging attendees on how to protect their digital lives.
“We understand the cyber risks that come with digital expansion,” said Ramaisa. “That is why we have brought in the best to help our customers stay informed and protected.”
On her part, Puleng ’Mathabo Masoabi, Econet’s Acting General Manager for Marketing Communications and Customer Experience, said the Expo represents more than just a corporate showcase.
“Whether you are a young coder, a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a business leader, this Expo is your playground of possibilities. It is a space where Basotho can experience and engage with the innovations that are shaping our collective future,” Masoabi said.
Summary
- The participation of officials from the Ministry of Communications, Science, and Technology (MCISTI) highlights the collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing digital innovation.
- A highlight of this year’s expo is ETL’s nationwide rollout of 5G connectivity, making Lesotho one of the first countries in Africa to deploy the technology across all ten districts.
- New product offerings were also unveiled, including Unlimited Wi-Fi Plus for high-speed internet at home and in the office, OmniVoice as a unified voice platform for modern business communication, EcoTicket as a seamless digital ticketing solution, and upgrades to EcoCash for faster and safer transactions.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
