On 15 March 2021, Lesotho launched the Lesotho Academy of Science and Technology (LAST). The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) supports LAST and looks forward to close co-operation between the two academies, Prof Himla Soodyall, ASSAf Executive Officer, said during the launch. Scientists from Higher Learning Institutions, The National University of Lesotho (NUL), Botho University, Lerotholi Polytechnic and diaspora through the support of UN Technology Bank and facilitated by Ministry of Communications, Science and Technology, came together in this landmark event.