The World Bank has approved a $55 million financing package for Lesotho, aimed at expanding electricity access, improving workforce skills, and strengthening nutrition programmes across the country.

The funding comes as the government seeks to address persistent infrastructure gaps that continue to limit economic activity, particularly in rural and highland communities.

Officials say the agreement is part of a broader push to support inclusive growth and improve access to essential services.

The financing was formalized between Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the World Bank, reinforcing cooperation on development priorities linked to energy, human capital, and social welfare.

Electricity access remains uneven in parts of Lesotho, where many households and small businesses still rely on limited or unreliable supply.

The new package is expected to help expand coverage while supporting the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

The funding also includes targeted grants for skills development and nutrition, areas the government has identified as key to long-term economic resilience and job creation.

Clean energy expansion targets Rural access

The largest share of the package—$50 million—will support the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project.

The programme is designed to extend reliable and affordable electricity to about 147,000 people and businesses.

The project will focus on peri-urban, rural and highland areas, where electrification rates remain low and development challenges are more pronounced.

Skills training and nutrition support

An additional $1 million grant will go toward preparing the Lesotho Skills Acceleration Project, which aims to strengthen technical and vocational training and improve employability among young people.

A further $300,000 will fund the Lesotho Multisectoral Nutrition Project, which targets improved nutrition outcomes in vulnerable communities, particularly among children and mothers.

Officials highlight development priorities

Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane said the financing reflects the government’s focus on improving living standards through targeted investment in key sectors.

World Bank Country Representative Dinara Djoldosheva said the institution remains committed to supporting Lesotho’s inclusive development agenda, noting that the projects are expected to strengthen economic opportunity and improve access to basic services.