On 3 July 2025, the United Nations University (UNU), in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho through its Embassy in Japan, co-hosted the high-level symposium "Empowering Lesotho: Unlocking Finance to Drive the Energy Transition in a Landlocked Developing Country" at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The event brought together distinguished leaders, including His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, cabinet ministers and representatives from development agencies, academia and the private sector.
Lesotho, often described as the “Kingdom in the Sky”, faces the dual challenges of energy poverty and climate vulnerability. With nearly half of its population lacking access to electricity, the country has nevertheless set an ambitious goal to achieve universal electrification by 2030 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10%. Endowed with abundant solar, wind and hydropower resources, Lesotho has the potential to become both energy independent and a net exporter of clean power to the Southern African region.
Opening the symposium, UNU Rector Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala welcomed participants and highlighted the transformative potential of a just energy transition. He highlighted Lesotho’s remarkable natural endowments for renewable energy generation and emphasized the importance of partnerships to further the nation’s ambitious goals, describing the event as “a testament to what can be achieved through shared purpose”.
The Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of Lesotho, reflected on the urgency of addressing energy poverty in a way that is equitable and locally driven: “As we confront the dual challenges of energy poverty and climate vulnerability, we are reminded that solutions must be bold, homegrown and rooted in justice,” he remarked, before inviting His Majesty King Letsie III to deliver the keynote address.
In a compelling keynote speech, His Majesty King Letsie III introduced the His Majesty King Letsie III Just Energy Transition Fund (HMKLIII – JET Fund), an innovative mechanism designed to mobilize private capital for renewable energy development. His speech highlighted the fund’s ambition to catalyse investment in solar, wind and hydropower, enabling Lesotho to become an energy exporter for the region.
Reflecting on Lesotho’s history of economic dependence on South Africa’s mining sector, His Majesty described the energy transition as a chance to chart a new, self-reliant course: “The irony of the global climate crisis is that it has provided Lesotho, a country deprived of conventional primary economic resources, with a new lease on life... Our time has come to economically exploit the opportunities presented by the energy transition imperative driven by the 2015 Paris Agreement.”
He closed by inviting all partners to join Lesotho in this historic endeavour.
The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion moderated by UNU, which brought together a range of perspectives on financing and implementing the energy transition. Panellists included:
- Mr. Steve Phakisi (joining virtually), HMKLIII – JET Fund Representative
- Mr. Shinichi Kihara, Director-General for Energy and Environmental Policy, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan
- Mr. Masashi Yamamoto, Director, Energy and Mining Group, Infrastructure Management Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency
- Mr. Molise Ramaili, CEO, Lesotho National Development Corporation
- Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, UNU Rector
The discussion explored opportunities for Japanese public-private partnerships, the role of blended finance in de-risking renewable energy projects and how institutions like UNU can bridge research, policy and investment to advance climate-smart development in Africa. Audience members, including representatives of the diplomatic corps in Tokyo, engaged the panellists with a wide range of questions on renewable energy and sustainable development.
In remarks following the panel discussion, Ms. Arfiya Eri, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, recalled the longstanding ties between Japan and Lesotho and their recent collaboration on renewable energy initiatives. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting just and inclusive energy transitions across Africa. Highlighting the shared ambition of both countries to achieve carbon neutrality, she noted: “Lesotho is actively promoting the transition to renewable energy by leveraging its abundant natural resources. Japan would like to work with your country to lead global efforts for climate change measures as well as the promotion of economic development.”
The symposium concluded with closing remarks by H.E. Mr. Retšelisitsoe Theko, Ambassador of Lesotho to Japan, who emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to realize Lesotho’s vision of energy sovereignty and regional contribution.
This event highlighted how international cooperation, innovative finance and shared knowledge can empower countries like Lesotho as they transition towards a cleaner, more resilient and prosperous future.
