Maseru, May 27, 2026 – The World Bank has approved a $50 million credit through the International Development Association (IDA) to improve electricity access for nearly 147,000 people and businesses in Lesotho.
The project, known as ASCENT‑Lesotho, will extend the national grid to urban, suburban, and rural areas while deploying off‑grid solar systems in remote mountain communities. According to Finance Minister Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, expanding reliable electricity is critical to reducing energy poverty, boosting household productivity, supporting small businesses, and strengthening essential services.
The initiative supports Lesotho’s National Energy Compact under the Mission 300 plan, which aims to raise electricity access from 53% in 2025 to full coverage by 2030. Authorities estimate around 45,300 new connections annually, including grid extensions and off‑grid solutions such as Pay‑As‑You‑Go solar systems, which are seen as the most cost‑effective option for rural households.
Lesotho currently generates about 104.7 MW of electricity but faces peak demand of nearly 209 MW, forcing the country to import half of its power from South Africa and Mozambique. The new financing will support expansion of solar, hydropower, and wind projects, strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on imports.
By combining grid expansion with renewable energy solutions, ASCENT‑Lesotho is expected to transform access to electricity, improve livelihoods, and power inclusive growth across the country’s mountainous regions.
