Sovereignty, Bias, and Social Fabric: A Qualitative Study of AI Ethics and Data Governance in Lesotho

This qualitative study investigates the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance in the Kingdom of Lesotho, with a focus on their gendered and societal implications. Through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with policymakers, technologists, and women community leaders, the research explores perceptions of data sovereignty, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of traditional governance structures. The findings reveal a critical tension between the pursuit of technological modernisation and the protection of communal values, highlighting how women’s leadership is pivotal in navigating this landscape. The discussion argues for a contextually grounded, feminist data governance framework that centres Basotho social norms and promotes equitable development. The conclusion offers policy recommendations for an inclusive, ethically informed approach to AI adoption in Lesotho and similar African societies.