Lesotho, a small, mountainous kingdom often called the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is making an ambitious leap into the clean energy future. In a groundbreaking move, the country has become the first in Africa to harness its rivers for the production of green hydrogen—a fuel widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most promising energy sources for the decades ahead.
The initiative uses an underground production system powered by Lesotho’s fast-flowing rivers. Through electrolysis, electricity generated from renewable hydropower is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is captured, stored, and can be used as fuel without emitting carbon dioxide, making it a cornerstone in global decarbonization efforts.
Lesotho’s mountainous terrain and abundant river systems give it a natural advantage in producing hydropower. This same advantage is now being extended to green hydrogen production. The approach ensures a steady supply of clean energy to drive the electrolysis process year-round, even during seasonal variations in rainfall.
Green hydrogen has been attracting global attention because of its versatility. It can replace fossil fuels in industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as steelmaking, shipping, and aviation, while also serving as a large-scale energy storage solution. With nations around the world racing to secure clean fuel supplies, Lesotho’s strategic investment positions it as a potential export hub for southern Africa and beyond.
The project could also bring a wave of economic benefits to the landlocked nation, from job creation in engineering and maintenance to attracting foreign investors seeking sustainable energy partnerships. If scaled effectively, Lesotho could supply not only its domestic market but also neighboring countries eager to meet climate targets.
As the global energy landscape shifts, Lesotho’s bold step shows that even small nations can play a decisive role in shaping the future. By transforming its natural waterways into engines of innovation, the country is proving that Africa’s renewable energy revolution can rise from unexpected places—and flow far beyond its borders.
