Lesotho Powers Forward with Renewable Energy to Drive Inclusive Energy Access

The Renewable Lesotho Programme will celebrate some concrete steps towards clean energy transition on Thursday, 6 November 2025, with a high-level event at Itekeng Combined School in Pitseng, Thaba-Tseka. The school is one of the eight facilities electrified during the initial year of implementation of the Access to Affordable Renewable Energy (AARE), implemented by UNDP with EU funding as part of the Renewable Lesotho Programme, as well as contributions from the Government of Ireland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

AARE is designed to dramatically expand equitable and gender-responsive access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy across rural communities. This initiative directly accelerates Lesotho’s national targets for universal energy access, enhanced climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. It delivers three key outputs:

• Establishment of a Results-Based Finance Facility to support the energy transition and integrate into the future National Energy Fund.
• Improved Household Energy Access through green mini-grids, solar home systems (SHS), and improved cookstoves.
• Electrification of Public Facilities, including schools, clinics, and commercial and industrial sites.

By the end of the intervention in 2028, it is expected that the project will have reached the following targets:

• 4,400 green mini-grid connections
• 3,402 SHS installations
• 9,194 improved cookstoves (60% for female-headed households)
• 24 off-grid schools and clinics electrified
• 98 solar water pumps and 100 productive use energy solutions deployed
• 100 kWp of solar capacity installed for commercial and industrial use

Set on a successful path, since its start in August 2024, the project already established a result-based-financing facility, with clear operational manual, that allowed to connect to clean electricity 564 households, of which 48.2% female-headed, and 8 schools, benefitting 1,136 pupils.  

The Renewable Lesotho Programme - From Policy to Power: Three Pillars of Transformation

The Renewable Lesotho Programme, a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway and the Green Deal Team Europe Initiative, is strategically designed to accelerate Lesotho’s transition toward a green, inclusive, and resilient economy. Its core objectives are to ensure widespread access to reliable, affordable clean energy, promote energy security, and power sustainable national growth.

The Ministry of Energy is overseeing the implementation of the Renewable Lesotho Programme. Developed in partnership with the Government of Lesotho, it is financed by the European Union (EU) and its partners with an overall contribution of €25 million, which includes a contribution of €860,481 from the Government of Germany.

The Access to Affordable Renewable Energy (AARE) component being rolled out today is supported by a multi-partner commitment that includes €3.7 million from the EU, €100,000 from the Government of Ireland, and $200,000 from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This collaborative effort ensures a robust and multifaceted approach, transforming national vision into tangible results on the ground.

 “Renewable Lesotho transcends a simple development project. It stands as an example of international partnership in action. Fully embodying the spirit of Team Europe and the commitment of global stakeholders, this initiative is uniting funding and expertise to expand the use of sustainable energy for the benefit of both Lesotho and the planet. This collaboration ensures that efforts on the ground contribute directly to global environmental goals while fostering national energy security and growth”, says EU Ambassador H.E. Mette Sunnergren.

“The Renewable Lesotho Project is more than an energy initiative it is a bold demonstration of what strong partnerships can achieve. Through the AARE project, we are proving that when government, development partners, and communities unite around a shared vision, we can power progress, advance climate action, and build a greener, more inclusive Lesotho,” says the UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Jacqueline Olweya.

Renewable Lesotho is engineered for comprehensive impact built on three interlinked components that work simultaneously to transform the energy sector in Lesotho:

1. Renewable Lesotho GET.pro Country Window – To strengthen institutional and regulatory frameworks, build capacity, and support public-private partnerships to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investments. Implemented by GIZ via the Global Energy Transformation Programme (GET.Pro), a multi-donor platform, since April 2023 for an overall duration of 39 months, this €6.86 million project benefits from contributions from the EU and the Government of Germany.
2. Renewable Lesotho – Access to Affordable Renewable Energy (AARE) – Expanding equitable and gender-transformative access to clean energy through off-grid technologies and innovative financing mechanisms. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since August 2024 for an overall duration of 48 months, this €3.7 million project benefits from contributions from the EU, UNDP, and the Government of Ireland.
3. Renewable Lesotho Country Window – This component is a dedicated investment facility designed to support early-stage companies, through equity or debt financing, to foster the growth of businesses committed to delivering clean energy solutions in Lesotho, as well as support to renewable energy infrastructure projects.  An “ElectriFi country window” to support to early-stage companies, worth €5 million, is in its late stages of preparation with expected implementation of to start in early 2026, while €10 million support to energy infrastructure projects will be mobilised at a later stage after completion of related feasibility study.

About the EU

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries[1]. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment, and economies, so that everyone can benefit. It has been a partner of Lesotho since 1976.

For more information about the EU Delegation in Lesotho, please visit the EU Delegation website on https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lesotho_en and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter)

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme Lesotho is at the heart of Sustainable Development efforts in Lesotho, working as a partner to the Government, Private Sector, and Civil Society. Our mission is to Empower Communities, Promote Economic Growth, Protect Planet and Build a future where no one is left behind.  UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.  For more information about UNDP Lesotho, please visit the UNDP Lesotho website on  https://www.undp.org/lesotho and follow us on all social media pages under UNDP Lesotho. 

END

[1] Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.