FOREWORD The constant evolution of technology brings about major paradigm shifts in human society. For example, our ability to develop technologies to harness food and energy from plants and animals and later from non-living sources such as coal, water, solar and wind led to the agricultural and industrial revolutions. Recent advancements in communications, computing and information technologies have brought about today’s Information Revolution. As in times past, this new paradigm requires that we learn new skills, employ new technologies and use different resources. Most importantly, we must learn to use technology to do things differently. Information has become the most valuable instrument for development in the Information Age. The key is to use it in such a way as to leap frog stages of development in order to rapidly attain a thriving economy and a society where each individual can achieve her or his full potential. In our quest to achieve prosperity, we should not lose sight of the opportunities offered by the technologies driving the Information Revolution to preserve our culture, expand our horizons and develop a more participatory democracy. The Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology has formulated this ICT Policy to provide the nation with a vision and strategy for becoming a fully integrated member of the Information Society. The policy is intended to unite Government, industry, civil society and the general public in the achievement of its national development goals. It identifies key areas of the economy that will serve as catalysts in driving the policy towards its fruition. It endeavors to reduce the digital divide between the “haves” and the “have nots,” to promote gender equality, protect the environment and to improve food security and the standard of living of all Basotho. It also strives to promote a healthy society capable of exploiting the full potential of ICTs. This is a tall order considering that less than one percent of the population owns a computer or has access to the Internet. Only eight percent own a telephone and fewer still have access to electrical power. And, all too frequently, those with access to information and communications technologies do not fully understand how to use them. The nation’s ICT Policy for Lesotho 8