Lesotho Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in lesotho, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Renewable Energy
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In Lesotho, about 50 percent of households have access to electricity, concentrated mainly in urban areas. Lesotho has identified hydropower, wind generation, and solar power as potential energy sources to help it become a net exporter of energy and is proactively seeking investors to help it achieve this goal. 

Currently, Lesotho generates 72 megawatts (MW) of hydropower through the ‘Muela Hydropower plant, which does not satisfy domestic demand. A Chinese solar plant generates 30 MW of solar energy in Mafeteng District. The country will generate 80MW of additional power through the Oxbow Hydropower plant following the construction of the Polihali Dam expected to be completed in 2029. The potential to expand hydro, wind, and solar capacity is real. Most of the population primarily lives in small, rural communities, which makes the country a good market for solar energy products. The government is interested in taking advantage of carbon credits; this may be a business opportunity for consulting companies in the renewable energy space.

The World Bank and the UNDP are supporting feasibility studies for new solar farms, and the government is encouraging independent power producers to enter the market. 

Sub-Sector Best Prospects 

  • Electricity generation plants
  • Wind farms
  • Water turbines
  • Wind turbines
  • Generators
  • Solar panels 

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