By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Four young innovators from
Lesotho are gaining international exposure in Mozambique after earning
recognition through an innovation challenge organised during the Commonwealth
Telecommunications Organisation's (CTO) Digital Roadshow in Lesotho.
The innovators — Relebohile
Irene Mopa, Thato Flora Rasupu, Nomvuduka Valentina Mabaleha and Ikaneng
Christopher Makakole — emerged as winners of the competition organised by the
Lesotho Communications Authority and were subsequently supported by the Commonwealth
Telecommunications Organisation to participate in digital development
activities in Mozambique.
The group travelled to
Maputo to attend Mozambique's National Communications Conference, where they
engaged with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and fellow innovators
on issues shaping the future of digital transformation across Africa.
The innovators showcased
three technology-driven solutions designed to address real-world challenges.
These include a Clinic Management System aimed at improving healthcare
administration and service delivery, Nala – Reimagining Job Access, a platform
connecting job seekers with verified employment opportunities, and CertiVert, a
blockchain-based certificate verification solution designed to improve trust
and efficiency in credential authentication.
As part of their visit, the
young innovators also attended a lecture at Eduardo Mondlane University focused
on promoting women and girls in telecommunications and information and
communication technology. The lecture was delivered by Doreen Bogdan-Martin,
providing participants with an opportunity to engage with global leaders
advocating for digital inclusion and gender equality in technology.
Their participation will
culminate at the CTO Digital Development Day, hosted at the headquarters of
Mozambique's communications regulator. During the event, two of the innovators
are expected to serve as panellists while all four will present their innovations,
participate in discussions and network with emerging technology leaders from
across the continent.
The initiative reflects the
CTO's ongoing efforts to nurture digital talent, promote innovation and provide
young entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers
and industry stakeholders. By supporting innovators beyond national
competitions and exposing them to regional and international platforms, the
organisation aims to strengthen youth participation in shaping the future of
the Commonwealth's digital economy.
