The Energy Research Centre (ERC) at the National University of Lesotho (NUL), in collaboration with Renewable Lesotho, the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), Get.Invest, and the Ministry of Energy, successfully hosted the inaugural Lesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD) from 25 – 26 June, 2025.
The dialogue brought together national stakeholders to accelerate universal energy access and energy security in Lesotho. The event focused on building partnerships that drive tangible solutions in policy development, regulatory reform, investment mobilisation, and capacity building across the energy sector.
In his introductory remarks, Prof. Moeketsi Mpholo from the NUL ERC, indicated that the Dialogue (LEAD) aims to support the country’s efforts to solve its energy access issues and develop its renewable energy market by promoting renewable energy technologies and projects in Lesotho.
Speaking during the opening session, Minister of Energy, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, described the dialogue as a historic milestone for Lesotho’s energy development.
“This gathering marks a turning point in our national journey towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable energy systems,” he said. “We are not gathered merely as stakeholders but as partners in progress, united by a shared vision to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 —affordable and clean energy for all.”
Minister Moleko noted that energy initiatives under the Ministry, including the Lesotho Highlands and Lowlands Water Projects and renewable energy programmes, have already generated over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, signaling positive momentum in the sector.
Addressing delegates, European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, H.E. Ms. Paola Amadei, underscored the critical role of energy access in driving inclusive development.
“Energy access is fundamental to economic growth, poverty reduction, and the overall wellbeing of Lesotho’s citizens,” she said. “Today, 62% of the population still lives without electricity, which limits opportunities in education, healthcare, sanitation, and agriculture.”
The Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that accelerate Lesotho’s progress toward universal energy access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Representing the Alliance for Rural Electrification, a speaker highlighted the global urgency of energy access, citing data that shows 685 million people worldwide still lack electricity, while 1.5 billion have no access to reliable power.
“As we enter an era of revolutionary technologies such as artificial intelligence, it is crucial to ensure no one is left behind. That’s why the Alliance for Rural Electrification, founded in 2006, continues to support countries like Lesotho in developing sustainable energy solutions.”
The dialogue featured panel discussions, knowledge-sharing sessions, and investment-focused workshops aimed at fostering cross-sector collaboration. Key themes included: Roadmap to ensuring a sustainable power sector and accelerating electricity access in Lesotho; Lesotho Long-term Energy Plans including Mission 300; as well as Policy and regulatory framework of the on-and off-grid electrification masterplans: challenges and opportunities in Lesotho.
The dialogue further discussed topics focusing on “Private financing and public funding opportunities for RE companies in Lesotho, Challenges and best practices for skills development and training for RE actors in Lesotho, Financial regulations and Access to Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects in Lesotho and Opportunities and lessons learnt on RE projects in the region – a private sector perspective – small capacity projects and off grid system”.
The event concluded with a joint call to action for policy makers, investors, and development partners to intensify efforts in expanding energy infrastructure and services across Lesotho. National University of Lesotho spearheaded the research on energy situation in Lesotho.
The event was supported by Renewable Lesotho, a joint Team Europe initiative of the European Union Delegation to Lesotho, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European multi-donor programme GET.invest and other partners, and the Department of Energy of Lesotho (DoE).
