THE African Development Bank, a multilateral development finance institution has, through the Economic Diversification Support Project procured three sets of video conference equipment to facilitate the implementation of Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO)’s programmes.

Two of the three sets of equipment have already been installed at BEDCO premises in Maseru and Mafeteng with the third yet to be installed in Leribe.

BEDCO’s 2020-25 strategic plan identifies ICT as a major leverage to successfully execute its mandate more so in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are indebted to the African Development Bank for their continuing support of BEDCO’s initiatives. Today’s event marks yet another milestone in the growing of cooperation between the Government of Lesotho and the African Development Bank. For the first time, BEDCO is the privileged recipient of ICT equipment transfer from the African Development Bank through the Economic Diversification Project.

“BEDCO’s growing collaboration with the African Development Bank is especially appropriate given Lesotho’s need to catch up with the rest of the world on the fourth industrial revolution bandwagon in ICT and telecommunications,” BEDCO CEO, Idia Penane said during the ceremony. 

The equipment will be used to conduct engagements with stakeholders and allow BEDCO to facilitate as well as host webinars and trainings for entrepreneurs.

The video conferencing software makes it possible to get all of the benefits of traditional face to face sessions at a lower cost.

Furthermore, the equipment will be used to live stream and facilitate participation of entrepreneurs in virtual expos and exhibitions as well as provide a platform for information and idea sharing.

It will drastically reduce costs to both BEDCO and entrepreneurs that are involved in renting physical conferencing facilities.