The NUL Energy Research Centre (NUL-ERC) hosted the Mid-LEAD Follow-Up Session on 13 November 2025 at Avani Maseru, bringing together key partners from across Lesotho’s energy sector to reflect on progress made since the inaugural LEAD 2025 Dialogue. Using the LEAD 2025 Report as a reference point, the session offered a practical and open space for institutions to share updates, track commitments, and refine next steps toward expanding clean, reliable, and affordable energy access nationwide.
The event was sponsored by the European Union Delegation to Lesotho, whose support continues to strengthen sector collaboration and advance Lesotho’s energy transition.
From the outset, representatives from the EU Delegation, GET.pro, and the Department of Energy highlighted the importance of the LEAD platform as a space where public and private actors can align their efforts. The tone of the meeting made one thing clear: Lesotho’s path to universal energy access depends on consistent collaboration and genuine sector-wide accountability.
As convener, NUL-ERC guided the conversation, helping ensure the discussions remained grounded in evidence, aligned with national priorities, and accessible to both technical practitioners and wider audiences following the country’s energy transition.
Revisiting Commitments Made During LEAD 2025
The agenda focused on five priority areas: policy reform, regulation, utility operations, skills development, and financing. Institutions gave updates on progress since June 2025, highlighting where momentum is building and where challenges still remain.
Policy and Institutional Updates
The Department of Energy shared progress on the Energy Bill, currently before Parliament. Once passed, the Bill will introduce the Energy Commission, Rural Energy Agency, and Energy Fund; institutions expected to strengthen coordination and unlock investment. Updates also included ongoing work on the National Electrification Strategy and the National Energy Compact, both of which outline how Lesotho can expand energy access in a structured and costed manner.
Regulatory Developments
LEWA presented updates on key regulatory reforms, including revisions to the mini-grid regulations, progress on the tariff documentation manual, and the ongoing Cost of Service Study. They also outlined work toward a distributed generation framework, which will help guide off-grid systems, hybrid installations, and self-supply customers, a growing area of interest for businesses and households alike.
Utility Performance and Infrastructure Needs
The Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) provided updates on efforts to modernize infrastructure, stabilize management structures, and engage more effectively with independent power producers (IPPs). Conversations also touched on the financial and operational realities of rural electrification, underscoring the need for balanced planning between national grid expansion and decentralized solutions.
ERC’s Continued Role in Skills, Knowledge, and Sector Support
ERC shared progress on several initiatives that support both sector development and public awareness. These include SolTrain district roadshows, gender mainstreaming sessions, executive training programs, youth engagement activities, and the development of the Energy Data Portal, which will soon offer open access to key energy datasets.
These initiatives reflect ERC’s broader mandate; connecting research, skills development, and community engagement so that energy planning in Lesotho is informed, inclusive, and future-focused.
Financing and Investment Progress
GET.Invest presented updates on its ongoing support to local developers, banks, and early-stage renewable energy projects. The team also revisited the sector-wide tracking tool introduced during LEAD 2025, noting that while progress is visible, continued coordination and accountability will be key to unlocking more investment.
Looking Ahead
As part of its leadership role, ERC presented updates on the LEAD Action Items Dashboard, which tracks the 44 commitments made by stakeholders during LEAD 2025. This dashboard will continue to be updated and shared at Energy Sector Coordination Forum meetings to help ensure transparency and steady follow-through.
The session concluded with partners proposing themes and focus areas for LEAD 2026, signaling continued momentum and shared commitment to the dialogue platform.
Through its work convening LEAD and supporting partners across the sector, NUL-ERC continues to strengthen Lesotho’s energy transition through research, coordination, and capacity building, ensuring that progress toward universal energy access is both practical and sustainable.
