Moroke Sekoboto
STAKEHOLDERS in the energy sector will next week convene for the second Lesotho Energy Access Dialogue (LEAD) as part of efforts to improve energy access and strengthen the renewable energy market in Lesotho.
The conference, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre under the theme “Moving from Commitments to Action,” will bring together policymakers, development partners, private sector players, financiers, researchers and energy practitioners to accelerate renewable energy deployment and advance Lesotho’s energy transition.
Speaking during a press briefing at Lancers Inn yesterday, Nedbank Lesotho Managing Director, Nkau Matete, said the conference came at a crucial time when Lesotho was searching for solutions to improve access to reliable and affordable energy for all Basotho.
Mr Matete said energy played a critical role in economic growth, business development and improving livelihoods across the country.
“Access to energy is not only about electricity, but also about creating opportunities for businesses, improving healthcare services, supporting education and driving national development,” he said.
He said Nedbank Lesotho believed energy access remained a key driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“The conference provides a platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration aimed at addressing Lesotho’s energy challenges while unlocking opportunities in renewable energy investment,” Mr Matete said.
He noted that Lesotho had significant potential for renewable energy generation, adding that strategic partnerships would help the country move towards energy security while contributing to regional energy development.
Mr Matete further said financial institutions had an important role to play in supporting infrastructure development and sustainability initiatives that contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
He stressed that achieving universal energy access requires collective efforts from government, the private sector and development partners.
Also speaking at the event, Standard Lesotho Bank Marketing Manager for Communications and Sponsorships, Manyathela Kheleli, said the bank was proud to partner with Nedbank Lesotho as co-sponsors of the conference, contributing a combined M400 000 towards the initiative.
Mr Kheleli said their support was driven by the belief that energy access is fundamental to economic growth, inclusion and national competitiveness.
“LEAD 2026 brings together policymakers, financiers, innovators and the private sector under the theme ‘Moving from Commitments to Action’. This theme speaks directly to the role financial institutions must play — not just in principle, but in practice,” Mr Kheleli said.
He said Lesotho possessed immense but underutilised renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, hydro and decentralised energy solutions.
“Supporting LEAD is about enabling collaboration and ensuring that ideas discussed next week translate into bankable projects, real infrastructure and measurable impact.”
He added that energy access had become one of the key factors determining whether economies can grow inclusively and sustainably.
“That is why the energy transition is not only an environmental issue, but also an economic imperative.”
Mr Kheleli said the bank perceived itself not only as a funder, but also as a partner to the government and the private sector, a connector between capital and credible projects, and a catalyst for innovation in the energy ecosystem.
“This is aligned with our purpose as a bank when we say, ‘Lesotho is our home, we drive her growth,’” he said.
Meanwhile, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Lesotho, Mette Sunnergren, said the conference came at a critical moment as countries worldwide confront climate change, rising energy costs and growing demand for reliable energy access.
Ms Sunnergren said progress had already been made in areas such as policy reform, private sector capacity building and youth participation in the energy sector.
“The world as we know it is transforming. Climate change is no longer an abstract issue, but a lived reality, while rising oil prices continue to negatively affect communities,” Sunnergren said.
She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Lesotho through investments in renewable energy, innovation and sustainable infrastructure development.
Ms Sunnergren said the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative sought to mobilise major investments in infrastructure, digitalisation and energy transitions globally, with a strong focus on Africa.
She added that in Southern Africa, the EU was promoting a just energy transition that balances climate action with economic growth, job creation and energy security.
For his part, LNIG Hollard General Manager, Kefuoe Ramokhele, said the company was proud to sponsor LEAD with M100 000, reaffirming its commitment to building a cleaner, more inclusive and resilient future for Lesotho.
Mr Ramokhele said their support for LEAD aligned with the company’s purpose of delivering solutions that benefit clients, partners and society.
“Guided by ESG principles, we are committed to creating a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we serve,” he said.
He added that in 2024, LNIG Hollard pioneered Lesotho’s first renewable energy insurance solution aimed at de-risking investments, supporting developers and unlocking financing for clean energy projects.
“This solution is more than a product; it is a catalyst for growth, enabling renewable initiatives to move confidently from planning into execution.
“By partnering with LEAD 2026, we are joining policymakers, financiers, developers and innovators to accelerate energy access across the country. Together, we are not just discussing energy — we are powering Lesotho’s transformation for generations to come,” Mr Ramokhele said.
