Stakeholders push for acceleration of renewable energy adoption

Refiloe Molise

Stakeholders in Lesotho’s energy sector have called for urgent action, stronger partnerships and increased investment in renewable energy ahead of the upcoming Lesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD) 2026 conference scheduled for May 19 to 20 at the ’Manthabiseng Convention Centre.

Speaking during a press conference held at Lancers Inn on Wednesday, representatives from the European Union (EU), the National University of Lesotho (NUL), financial institutions and private sector partners stressed the need to move beyond discussions and accelerate implementation of renewable energy solutions in the country.

Delivering the keynote remarks, European Union Ambassador to Lesotho, Mette Sunnergren, said LEAD 2026 comes at a critical moment as Lesotho continues to face energy access challenges while the world grapples with climate change and rising energy costs.

She said the conference builds on the commitments made during the inaugural LEAD conference in 2025, which focused on policy reform, youth participation and private sector capacity building in the energy sector.

“The world as we know it is transforming. Climate change is no longer abstract but a lived reality. The present increase in oil prices continues to negatively affect each one of us,” she said.

Sunnergren reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Lesotho’s transition towards sustainable and inclusive energy systems through initiatives such as the Global Gateway Initiative, under which the EU plans to mobilise €300 billion by 2027 to support sustainable infrastructure and energy transitions globally, with a strong focus on Africa.

She noted that despite ongoing efforts, nearly half of Lesotho’s population still lacks access to electricity.

“Energy poverty remains a critical challenge in Lesotho. At least 47 percent of the population still lacks access to electricity,” she said.

She added that the EU continues to support renewable energy development in Lesotho through mini-grids, solar home systems, improved cooking stoves, hydropower infrastructure and policy support programmes.

Sunnergren also called on stakeholders to adopt bold and time-bound targets to achieve universal energy access by 2030 while ensuring that women, youth and vulnerable communities are included in the country’s energy transition.

“Energy is the great enabler of education, healthcare, industry and dignity. Together we can turn Lesotho’s energy challenges into opportunities for prosperity,” she said.

NUL Energy Research Centre representative PalesaNkaile said this year’s conference will focus on practical implementation strategies under the theme “Moving from Commitments to Action.”

Nkaile explained that LEAD aims to accelerate universal energy access and strengthen energy security through multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnerships that bring together policymakers, regulators, financiers, developers, academics, civil society organisations and youth representatives.

She said one of the major concerns identified during LEAD 2025 was the gap between policy development and implementation, which prompted this year’s action-oriented approach.

“We are really pushing to move the needle. This year we are responding directly to the implementation deficit that was identified during LEAD 2025,” she said.

According to Nkaile, the conference is expected to attract around 200 participants from Lesotho, the region and abroad. Activities will include roundtable discussions, presentations on financing opportunities, networking sessions, matchmaking meetings and exhibitions showcasing products and services from energy sector stakeholders.

She said organisers expect the conference to produce tangible implementation processes, partnerships, funding opportunities and policy recommendations that can accelerate renewable energy access in Lesotho.

Financial institutions also highlighted the growing importance of renewable energy financing and collaboration in driving economic development.

Nedbank Lesotho’s Managing Director, NkauMatete said the bank partnered with LEAD because of its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

“As the Green Bank, sustainability and renewable energy are at the centre of what we do. LEAD was a perfect fit for us,” he said.

Matete revealed that one of the commitments Nedbank made during last year’s conference was to begin powering its ATM network with solar energy.

“The rollout is happening as we speak,” he said, adding that partnerships between competing institutions such as Nedbank and Standard Lesotho Bank demonstrate the importance of collective action in addressing the country’s energy challenges.

Matetesaid both banks contributed a combined M400,000 towards LEAD 2026 as diamond sponsors.

He described energy access as essential for economic growth, job creation and national competitiveness.

Meanwhile, LNIG Hollard’s General Manager,KefuoeRamokhele said the insurance company joined LEAD because its vision aligns with the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.

Ramokhele said LNIG Hollard recently introduced Lesotho’s first renewable energy insurance solution aimed at reducing investment risks in clean energy projects.

“We are moving beyond traditional insurance solutions to products that create better futures for Basotho communities,” he said.

He explained that the insurance solution is designed to de-risk renewable energy investments, support developers and help projects move smoothly from planning to implementation.

“Insurance plays a role in ensuring that financiers and developers have the confidence to invest in renewable energy projects,” he said.

Ramokhele added that partnerships between government, financiers, developers, academia and civil society are essential for achieving a successful energy transition in Lesotho.

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