Afrobarometer has commenced a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of Lesotho’s legislators to use public attitude data for evidence-based policy making. The training brings together 47 members of the National Assembly and Senate for hands-on sessions on analysing and interpreting Afrobarometer data for their legislative duties.
The workshop, taking place on 2-3 June in Maseru, forms part of Afrobarometer’s commitment to capacity building among key stakeholders in government, academia, media, and civil society. The goal is to empower leaders to make informed decisions grounded in reliable, citizen-centred data.
Participants are receiving a comprehensive introduction to Afrobarometer’s data-collection methodology and practical training on accessing and interpreting Afrobarometer data, using its free online data analysis tool. Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, the training emphasises how insights into citizens’ experiences and expectations can support legislative debates, strengthen oversight functions, and shape effective and responsive policies.
Libuseng Malephane, national investigator for Afrobarometer in Lesotho, stressed the value of the training in advancing good governance and improving the lives of Basotho.
“Afrobarometer surveys are undertaken roughly every two years or so in Lesotho to solicit citizens’ views on several issues which affect their lives,” she said. “The National Assembly and Senate in Lesotho, given their role at the centre of national policy making in the country, need data to assist them to make evidence-based decisions. As a result, it is of the utmost importance that they are able to access and use our data effectively.”
Kamal Yakubu, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (advanced track), noted that the initiative aims to promote a culture of data-driven governance across Africa.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Afrobarometer to deepen engagement with governance institutions and demonstrate how high-quality public attitude data can contribute to more transparent, responsive, and accountable leadership across Africa,” he said.
Hon. Mokhothu Joseph Makhalanyane, chairperson of chairs at the National Assembly, is hopeful that the workshop will equip participants to effectively use data in their legislative duties.
“This training helps us to ‘walk with the people’ and to include their views in our decision making processes, not only in words but in action. That is my take-home message.”