In a strategic move to unlock the vast potential of renewable energy, higher education and vocational training institutions in Lesotho, Finland, and Sweden unveil a new initiative – the Low-Carbon Economy Transformation through Sustainable Energy Modernisation and Access (LETSEMA) project, financed under Erasmus+, the EU's programme to support education, training, and youth.

The launch of the LETSEMA project, which took place on 29 February 2024 at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre, marked a significant milestone in the development of academic and professional training programmes aimed at empowering the next generation of renewable energy professionals and technicians.

The National University of Lesotho (NUL)’s Energy Research Centre (ERC) in Roma, and the Bethel Business and Community Development Centre (BBCDC) located in Mohale’s Hoek, have joined forces with the Finland Futures Research Centre, University of Turku in Finland and the Linnaeus University in Sweden.

Recognising the importance of investing in skills development to drive sustainable energy solutions, LETSEMA aims to equip aspiring professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The objective of the project is to develop state of the art training facilities, forge stronger international, national and regional partnerships to enhance exchanges between local students and staff members as well as provide high-quality experiential and hands-on learning programmes to strengthen renewable energy and energy efficiency skills.

LETSEMA also aims to strengthen and promote sustainable energy practices in Lesotho by promoting the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, while improving access to digital, high-level and hands-on learning. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how digital tools can improve access to education and encourage international cooperation.

In addition, LETSEMA aims to have the NUL’s existing MSc in Sustainable Energy – previously set up with the support of the European Union – accredited regionally and internationally.

By fine-tuning educational programmes and professional training, the project will not only foster the creation of climate friendly jobs but will also support mitigation responses to climate change in Lesotho. Enhancing climate resilience and promoting the uptake of renewable energy is at the heart of the Lesotho-EU cooperation, and particularly the Renewable Lesotho initiative launched in 2023.

Renewable Lesotho supports Lesotho’s solar, hydro and wind energy potential to maximise generation, achieve energy security and improve access to clean energy. Renewable Lesotho brings together a toolbox of instruments, including capacity building, policy and regulatory advice, stakeholder engagement, financial support, and energy infrastructure development. 

Background

The Erasmus+ programme underpins the EU’s efforts in supporting education, training, youth and sport. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. The LETSEMA project was selected under the Capacity building in Higher Education stream of the Erasmus+ programme. It officially started its implementation in July 2023 and the activities are planned for 3 years in total. The total budget for the action is EUR 399,363 (approximately LSL 7,867,260).

LETSEMA complements the activities of Renewable Lesotho, a joint effort between the Government of Lesotho and its relevant Ministries, the European Union Delegation to Lesotho, the European Investment Bank (EIB), European multi-donor platforms GET.transform and GET.invest, the Association of Bilateral European Development Finance Institutions  (EDFI), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Renewable Lesotho is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) as well as the Government of Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II), the EU-Lesotho cooperation strategy for 2021-2027 and Team Europe Initiative – Green Deal and is part of the Global Gateway, Europe’s strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world.