RFAs: Innovation Challenge for Sesotho AI Language Hackathon in Lesotho

Lesotho’s Innovation Challenge invites innovators to build Sesotho-first AI solutions that expand digital access, preserve cultural heritage, and drive inclusive national development. With up to US$5,000 per project and a 45-day implementation period, the initiative supports practical AI tools in health, education, agriculture, law, public services, and more. The Challenge aligns with national digital transformation goals and encourages solutions that strengthen accessibility, sustainability, and linguistic inclusion.

Overview

The Innovation Challenge in Lesotho supports the development of AI-driven solutions designed to promote inclusive digital access, preserve the Sesotho language, and strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem. The program prioritizes community-centered innovation that can enhance service delivery, improve accessibility, and support socio-economic development.

Core Focus Areas

1. Sesotho-First AI Solutions

The Challenge encourages tools that embed Sesotho into AI technologies to ensure accessibility for non-English speakers. Solutions may include:

• Machine translation systems

• Automatic speech recognition

• Text-to-speech engines

• Secure conversational AI agents
  These technologies should strengthen access to information and services across health, education, agriculture, law, climate adaptation, manufacturing, finance, energy, cybersecurity, and public administration.

2. Cultural and Linguistic Preservation

Applicants are invited to build technologies that help Sesotho thrive in the digital era. Examples include:

• Automated legal translation platforms

• Sesotho-enabled learning systems

• AI-powered cultural or linguistic documentation tools

• Conversational agents promoting literacy and local knowledge
  These innovations support long-term cultural resilience and bridge the digital divide.

3. Disability Inclusion and Accessibility

All AI tools should integrate inclusive design, especially for persons with disabilities. Solutions should improve access to information, services, education, and public systems for marginalized groups.

4. Sustainable and Scalable Impact

Projects must demonstrate:

• Financial, environmental, and social sustainability

• Scalability or replicability across communities or sectors

• Long-term viability beyond the 45-day project window

Funding and Duration

• Funding per project: Up to US$5,000

• Implementation period: 45 days

• Support areas: Technical development, deployment, testing, and sustainability planning

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include individuals, startups, community groups, research teams, NGOs, and companies with the capacity to implement AI-based projects. Applicants must show:

• Adequate technical expertise

• Sufficient financial and human resources

• Ability to deploy functional prototypes or solutions within 45 days

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Solutions must align with national digital transformation goals

• Proposals must contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

Ineligible Focus Areas

Projects related to:

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

• Drugs

• Firearms

• Harmful or dangerous substances
  are not eligible for funding.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Define the problem your AI solution will address, linked to digital inclusion, Sesotho integration, or public service improvement.

2. Develop a concept note, outlining your solution, technical approach, community benefits, and expected outcomes within 45 days.

3. Prepare evidence of capacity, including skills, team resources, materials, or partnerships.

4. Demonstrate sustainability, showing scalability and long-term viability.

5. Submit the application through the designated portal or platform indicated by the Challenge organisers.

Key Requirements for Applications

• Clear integration of Sesotho-language AI tools

• Defined target communities and expected impact

• Strong justification for sustainability and scalability

• Inclusive and accessible design for all users

• Alignment with the UNDP AI Sprint Initiative and Lesotho’s Digital Transformation Strategy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overly complex projects that cannot be completed in 45 days

• Lack of Sesotho integration or unclear cultural relevance

• Solutions with no sustainability or scaling pathway

• Insufficient demonstration of technical or organisational capacity

• Excluding priority groups (e.g., women, persons with disabilities) from the design or beneficiary base

FAQs

1. Do I need advanced AI expertise to apply?

No. Applicants must demonstrate technical capacity, but partnerships or simple prototypes are acceptable if they deliver impact.

2. Can organisations outside Lesotho apply?

The Challenge targets Lesotho-based implementers or teams working directly with local communities.

3. Can projects extend beyond the 45-day period?

Work must be completed within 45 days, but long-term sustainability planning is encouraged.

4. What types of solutions have the best chance of selection?

Projects that combine Sesotho-language AI, community benefits, accessibility, and feasible implementation within the timeline.

5. Can one applicant submit multiple proposals?

This depends on program rules, but typically quality is prioritized over the number of submissions.

6. Are hardware-based projects eligible?

Yes, if they support AI deployment and meet sustainability and inclusion criteria.

7. Can students apply?

Yes, provided they demonstrate the capacity and resources needed to deliver the project.

Conclusion

The Innovation Challenge in Lesotho offers a valuable platform for innovators to develop AI tools that advance digital inclusion, strengthen the Sesotho language, and contribute to national development goals. With funding, visibility, and alignment to major digital transformation frameworks, the initiative empowers teams to deliver impactful, inclusive, and culturally relevant AI solutions that support long-term socio-economic progress.