Report

Poverty of Energy in Lesotho

Data in Focus: Issue 3

Green-energy off-grid products and mini-grids are among the key innovations supporting developmental benefits associated with access to clean, affordable, renewable, and sustainable energy that is inclusive to the entire population, primarily rural areas.
In Lesotho, access to electricity in the urban areas is at 80.6 per cent, while it stands at 37.7 per cent in the rural areas (2021). Housing deprivation contributes the most to the multidimensional poverty index particularly due to limited access to electricity. Access to grid and off-grid electricity, especially in the highlands and foothills, is key to improving children’s nutrition, health, and learning outcomes, as well as increasing connectivity.
The Ntlafatsa Bana programme, implemented by UNICEF in support of the Lesotho Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, with the European Union's contribution, includes a Cash Plus component to ensure that poor households can access essential services such as nutrition education, birth registration, water, and renewable energy.
There has been a noticeable shift towards green energy providers who produce a variety of green-energy off-grid products and mini-grids available at a low cost. These providers can provide access to clean, affordable, renewable, and sustainable energy, especially in rural areas.