Nov 04, 2021--Technology and innovation remain priority areas in line with National Strategic Development Plan II, hence formation of Research and Innovation Policy amongst other reasons, Research Officer in the department of Science and Innovation at MCST unveils.
According to Mr. Mojalefa Sello, through support of Organisation of African Caribbean Pacific States (OACPS) are adamant that the policy will go a long way in helping the country attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to education, eradicating poverty as well as job creation amongst others including contributing positively towards NSDP II.
In this manner, he reiterates that NSDP II recognises technology and innovation as one of the four productive sectors that can contribute to Lesotho’s economic development, saying it also indicates that progress in the other productive sectors of the economy will need to largely rely on technology and innovation for inclusive growth and job creation hence the policy.
Therefore, Mr. Sello notes that the need to ensure that what is taught in tertiary correspond with the demand of the industry is key if Basotho children are to become job creators as oppose to job seekers. Additionally, he points out that in an attempt to fast track this initiative, science department is planning to hold validation workshop with regard to the said policy on November 30.
“This is where stakeholders will be expected to interrogate the policy, share their inputs for successful implementation.” Research Officer adds. Moreover, he indicates that this workshop will be followed by that of leadership that is Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians, whereby the Prime Minister will perform official opening.
It is expected that after this workshop, a team of OACPS experts will continue to assist towards implementation of the policy. Objectives of the policy as outlined by Mr. Sello are also to improve the relevance and quality of tertiary and higher education curriculum, to improve the scientific, technological and entrepreneurial literacy of Basotho as well as to enhance use of real time data and big data analytics for evidence informed policy and decision making.
This department of Science led by Mr. Lefa Thamae is one of the seven departments of MCST aimed at ensuring that the ministry’s vision of being leaders in technology and research, moving towards a prosperous, innovative, stable and sustainable democracy and a knowledge based society is achieved.
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