MASERU, June 5 – US-based energy and technology company Convalt Energy has committed to investing $6.2 billion in Lesotho through the development of a large-scale hydropower project and an artificial intelligence data center.
The investment represents the largest foreign direct investment commitment in the history of the southern African kingdom and is expected to play a significant role in transforming the country’s energy and digital infrastructure landscape.
According to government officials, the project will include the construction of a 1,200-megawatt hydropower facility designed to strengthen domestic electricity generation and reduce dependence on imported energy supplies.
Lesotho currently relies heavily on electricity imports to meet domestic demand, making energy security a key priority for policymakers seeking to support economic growth and industrial development.
The planned hydropower project is expected to improve energy self-sufficiency while creating opportunities for future electricity exports to neighboring countries.
Alongside the power infrastructure, Convalt Energy plans to establish an artificial intelligence data center, positioning Lesotho to participate more actively in the rapidly growing digital economy.
The data center is expected to provide critical computing infrastructure capable of supporting AI applications, cloud services and digital innovation initiatives.
Government officials said the investment could generate substantial economic benefits through job creation, skills development and increased business activity across multiple sectors.
The project also aligns with broader efforts by African countries to attract technology-focused investments while expanding renewable energy capacity.
As global demand for data processing, AI infrastructure and clean energy continues to grow, the development could strengthen Lesotho’s attractiveness as a destination for future technology and industrial investments.
The announcement highlights increasing investor interest in combining renewable energy projects with digital infrastructure developments, creating integrated platforms that support both economic diversification and long-term sustainability.
For Lesotho, the investment marks a significant milestone in its economic development strategy and could contribute to greater energy independence, improved digital capabilities and enhanced foreign investment inflows over the coming years.
