Lesotho has taken a significant step towards harmonizing its public service policies and procedures with those of other African Union (AU) member states by ratifying the African Union Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration. The Charter was adopted in 2011 and entered into force in 2016.
Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA, Ntšiuoa Sekéte, deposited the instruments of ratification on November 28, 2023. In doing so, Lesotho became the 25th AU member state to ratify the Charter.
Ambassador Sekéte stated that Lesotho is committed to realizing the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to create a prosperous and integrated Africa. He emphasized the importance of harmonizing public service policies and procedures across the continent to promote regional and continental integration.
In addition to ratifying the Charter, Lesotho also signed the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. This Convention is the only binding regional treaty on data protection outside of Europe and provides a framework for governing personal data protection, electronic commerce, and cybersecurity on the continent.
Ambassador Sekéte noted that the Convention will complement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which is already operational and seeks to create a single market in Africa. He expressed hope that the Convention will be effective in bridging the digital divide on the continent.
Lesotho’s ratification of the Charter and signing of the Convention are important steps towards strengthening the country’s integration with the AU and promoting regional and continental cooperation.