| Work Detail |
The Kingdom can become a regional powerhouse given its natural resources and renewable energy potential, says the AfDB The Kingdom of Lesotho is planning two critical water and energy infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating its economic transformation, with plans to supply these resources to its southern African neighbours South Africa and Botswana. The water project, in particular, is set to involve enhancing “trade facilitation” between the three countries. Lesotho, also known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is considered a critical regional water tower. The country has been exporting water to South Africa, predominantly to the Gauteng province, for more than two decades, primarily through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The country’s montane wetlands (on the slope mountains) are vital for millions living in the Orange River Basin that stretches across Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Rivers flowing from its highlands are critical for meeting the region’s secure and sustainable water and energy supply needs. Lesotho’s abundant hydropower and other renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, has the potential to generate more than enough electricity for domestic consumption and surplus capacity for export to neighbouring countries Details of these initiatives were released on Monday (31 March) by the African Development Bank (AfDB) who has earmarked $331 million for investment in Lesotho from 2025 to 2030. The finance will focus on: infrastructure, capacity building, energy development, regional integration, and institutional strengthening. |
