The NUL-ERC team recently gathered in Finland for a series of coordinated project meetings of the Low-Carbon Economy Transformation through Sustainable Energy Modernization and Access in Lesotho (LETSEMA) project with the Finland Futures Research Centre (FFRC) in Helsinki, followed by the 3-day Futures of Technologies conference in Turku. The ERC team was led by Prof. Mpholo, while Mr. Osku Hapassari led the FFRC team.

Key discussions focused on the seamless integration of Futures and Foresight methodologies into the MSc. in Sustainable Energy curriculum—aligning with LETSEMA’s core mission to build educational capacity and enhance practical research skills. LETSEMA, an EU-funded initiative under Erasmus+, continues to raise the bar in advancing energy and sustainability education in Lesotho, with successful staff mobilities and modernised teaching infrastructure to show for it.

Strengthening ties with the University of Turku and FFRC, the ERC team also sent its third cohort of delegates to the Futures Conference. Among the five delegates, Prof. Enoch Jonathan and Mr. Mpho Yengane delivered engaging presentations. Prof. Jonathan shared a much-anticipated talk on AI and Geospatial Analysis for the Energy-Water-Food Nexus, while Mr. Yengane explored AI-based Grid Inertia Assessment for Lesotho’s Renewable Power System. Both talks were well received for their forward-looking insights on technologies and sustainability.

The trip also featured productive meetings with FFRC researchers and networking with institutions such as Strathmore University, the Finland-Africa Initiative, and others. Through the involvement of Ms. Palesa Nkaile (ERC Project Manager) and Mr. Moruti Kao (ERC Lecturer and Researcher), ERC looks forward to strengthening collaborations that support sustainable development in Lesotho and beyond.

ERC remains steadfast in its commitment to cutting-edge energy research and equipping students with world-class knowledge in energy and sustainability.