Lesotho has taken a major step towards preserving its history and cultural heritage for future generations following the official launch of the National Digitisation Framework by the National University of Lesotho (NUL) Library in Maseru on Friday.

The landmark initiative, funded by the British High Commission in Lesotho, seeks to transform how the country preserves, manages, and accesses important historical documents, archives, and cultural records in the digital era.

The project has brought together key institutions including Morija Museum and Archives, the National Library and Archives, Lerotholi Polytechnic, the Lesotho College of Education, the Royal Archives, and several educational and nursing institutions.

In this initiative, the NUL Library has become the driving force behind a shared national vision to protect Lesotho’s documentary and cultural heritage while making it more accessible to researchers, students, and the public. The framework is expected to strengthen collaboration among libraries, museums, archives, and academic institutions across the country.

One of the project’s major milestones included a study visit to the United Kingdom by representatives from NUL, Morija Museum and Archives, and the National Library and Archives. The visit exposed participants to international best practices in digitisation, preservation, and institutional collaboration, helping shape Lesotho’s own national strategy.

In March 2026, stakeholders gathered at Botleng Guest House for a national workshop where discussions focused on the structure, principles, and implementation of the framework. This was followed by a Conservation and Preservation Workshop, which highlighted the importance of protecting fragile physical collections before digitisation can take place.

Experts from the British Library facilitated the workshops, guiding participants on digitisation processes, metadata creation, file management, quality assurance, and digital preservation. Their expertise helped institutions better understand how global digitisation standards can be adapted to meet Lesotho’s unique needs and realities.

The launch of the National Digitisation Framework marks a new chapter for Lesotho’s heritage sector, paving the way for improved access to the nation’s history and cultural identity in the digital age.