By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – At the heart of Lesotho’s burgeoning renewable energy sector stands Ms. Itumeleng Makhooane owner of ING Solar Solutions, a pioneering company determined to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Driven by a passion for sustainable development and a commitment to environmental responsibility, Ms. Makhooane shares her journey with Informative Newspaper, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future of her venture, one that could play a pivotal role in Lesotho’s pursuit of energy independence.
“Energy is the backbone of every economy, and when I looked at Lesotho, I saw an opportunity,” Ms. Makhooane reflects. Growing up amidst frequent power shortages and reliance on traditional energy sources, she was inspired to create sustainable, locally-driven solutions. Her vision for a greener, more energy-independent Lesotho led her to dive into the renewable energy sector.
“My business focuses on providing solar glass that generates electricity,” she explains. “These can be installed on windows and building facades.” Ms. Makhooane draws inspiration from the high cost and unreliability of electricity in Lesotho, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Like many entrepreneurial journeys, hers has not been without challenges. Ms. Makhooane highlights that securing funding and navigating regulatory hurdles are two major obstacles. “The renewable energy space requires significant investment and clear policies to thrive,” she notes. “Another challenge is educating communities, particularly in rural areas, about the benefits of renewable energy.”
One of the most pressing concerns has been pricing. “Our products are sometimes seen as expensive,” she admits. “But we’ve developed a solution: a pay-as-you-go model, allowing customers to pay for our products as they use them. This has made our offerings more accessible.”
Despite the hurdles, Ms. Makhooane sees immense growth potential in Lesotho’s renewable energy sector. “There’s a growing demand for clean energy, especially in off-grid communities. With technological advancements and government support, there’s great potential for expansion, particularly in solar and wind energy projects.”
“The renewable energy industry in Lesotho is still in its infancy but has tremendous potential,” she observes. Global trends and the increasing push for sustainability provide fertile ground for growth. She emphasizes the need for strong collaboration between government and private sector players to establish a solid framework for the industry’s expansion.
“So far, we’ve employed five people, with plans to expand as the business grows,” she shares. “We are focusing on training and developing local talent, empowering them with the necessary skills to thrive in this industry. There’s a gap that needs to be filled, and we’re working to ensure the company operates smoothly as we scale up.”
Among the company’s upcoming initiatives is a ground-breaking project aimed at bringing affordable solar energy to rural areas. “We are about to pilot our first solar glass installations in October,” Ms. Makhooane says with pride. “We’ll be the first to introduce solar glass in Lesotho, and that’s a significant milestone for the country.”
Partnerships play a key role in Ms. Makhooane’s business strategy. “Partnering and collaborating with other businesses, especially local businesses, builds credibility for our business as interactions and inclusivity shows that we are really doing our work,” says Ms Makhooane.
Sustainability is central to her operations. “We ensure that our projects are not only environmentally responsible but also socially impactful. Every step we take is geared towards reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a greener future for Lesotho,” she says.
Innovation also plays a vital role in Ms. Makhooane’s vision for the future. She is particularly excited about advancements in battery storage technology. “Efficient energy storage is a game changer. It will help overcome the intermittency of solar and wind energy, making these sources more reliable,” she notes. Such innovations are poised to significantly impact the future of renewable energy in both Lesotho and globally.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector, Ms. Makhooane says, “Start with a passion for solving problems. The renewable energy sector is not easy, but the rewards, both financial and societal are worth the effort. Stay resilient, seek knowledge, and always think about the long-term impact of your business.”
Looking ahead, Ms. Makhooane envisions her company becoming a key player in Lesotho’s energy independence. “Our goal is to power every corner of this country with clean, affordable energy. We want to contribute to a future where Lesotho generates enough energy for its own needs and even exports to neighbouring countries.”
“We plan on having our own solar plant in Lesotho, and in the future, we have a vision of having one in every district. It will immensely contribute to Lesotho having access to electricity nationwide, and our energy will be so much cleaner and less effects of climate change in Lesotho.”
With her passion for renewable energy and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Ms. Makhooane is not only building a successful business but also contributing to a greener, more self-sufficient Lesotho. Her journey exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in driving positive change and laying the foundation for a brighter future.