As 2025 draws to a close, the Energy Research Centre (ERC) at the National University of Lesotho reflects on a year of sustained engagement, learning, and collaboration across Lesotho’s energy sector.

Throughout the year, ERC convened stakeholders through platforms such as LEAD 2025 and its follow-up engagements. These sessions supported open discussion, progress tracking, and coordination among public institutions, development partners, and sector practitioners working toward improved energy access and planning.

Skills development remained a central area of focus. Through initiatives including LETSEMA, youth entrepreneurship workshops, executive training programmes, and the introduction of micro-credentials, ERC worked to strengthen practical energy skills and knowledge. These activities were designed to reach a wide audience and support inclusive participation in the energy transition.

ERC also continued its role in research and knowledge sharing, supporting applied studies and contributing to improved access to energy information. This work helps inform planning processes and strengthens evidence-based decision-making within the sector.

Innovation and emerging technologies were also part of ERC’s work in 2025. Through the MaZero Project, ERC supported stakeholder engagement, skills-building activities, and progress toward solar-powered charging stations at the Roma and IEMS campuses. These efforts contributed to ongoing national conversations around electric mobility, climate action, and low-emission transport options.

As part of the National University of Lesotho, ERC remains committed to linking academic learning with real-world energy challenges, supporting students, researchers, and practitioners to engage meaningfully with national development priorities.

In early 2026, we will support four final-year BEng Electronics students to participate in semester-long international exchange programmes. Mr Tefo Pholoana and Mr Relebohile Konyana will begin their exchange at the University of Turku in Finland, with arrangements underway for a second group to attend FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences in Austria in February 2026.

These activities reflect the strong networks built throughout 2025, which ERC will continue to strengthen as it supports learning opportunities, international exchange, and collaboration beyond Lesotho’s borders.

We are excited to will continue building on this work in 2026.  ERC extends season’s greetings to its partners, collaborators, and communities. We wish you a restful and warm festive season and look forward to 2026.