As global conversations around sustainability grow louder, Matsepiso Majoro is delivering results on the ground. Her company, Mahlaseli Energy, is making solar technology accessible to low-income households in Lesotho through innovative pay-as-you-go models. With a strong focus on community, youth employment and scalable solutions, her work is helping define what inclusive energy transition looks like in Southern Africa.
What sets her apart is not just the business model but the depth of understanding behind it. Matsepiso is not chasing headlines. She is building something that works for the people who have been left behind by traditional power systems. And in doing so, she is reshaping the energy landscape of her country.
Roots of a Changemaker
“I was born and raised in Lesotho, where my early years were shaped by witnessing the challenges that come with limited energy access, especially in rural communities.” Her voice is calm but resolute as she remembers the foundation of her mission. It wasn’t just a childhood observation. It was a wound she carried into adulthood, one that would eventually become her reason to lead.
Education was a turning point. “Studying both in Lesotho and abroad exposed me to global innovations, entrepreneurial thinking and the transformative power of sustainable energy. These experiences inspired me to envision solutions that could directly uplift my community and country.”
That vision took shape not in boardrooms or theoretical frameworks but in the very homes where darkness had once lived.
Seeing the Gap, Building the Bridge
Driven by the energy poverty around her, Matsepiso saw a clear opportunity. “My inspiration came from a deep desire to address the persistent energy poverty I saw around me. Many families in rural Lesotho either have no electricity or rely on polluting, expensive fuels. I saw a gap: while solar technology exists, upfront costs were a barrier.”
Her answer to this was bold and practical. “Mahlaseli Energy was born to bridge this. Our company piloted a SolarPayGo initiative, removing upfront costs by offering pay-as-you-go solar solutions, making clean energy truly accessible for low-income households.”
The business is rooted in Lesotho and employs 20 young professionals from local institutions, proving that renewable energy is not just about light but also livelihoods.
Staying Ahead by Staying Connected
The renewable energy sector is rapidly evolving across Africa but Matsepiso has kept her company ahead by adapting smartly and staying plugged into the ecosystem. “There’s been a growing recognition of renewable energy’s role in Africa’s development and demand for innovative, flexible payment models has soared.”
Her strategies are not abstract but clearly defined. “We stay ahead by embracing partnerships with global PayGo technology pioneers, investing in continuous staff training especially for youth, staying agile by regularly updating our business model based on lessons from forums and summits like the Youth Energy Summit (YES) and leveraging digital platforms like Beyond Privilege for year-round learning, market intelligence and networking.”
Breaking Barriers, One Lesson at a Time
The journey hasn’t been smooth. Matsepiso speaks openly about the obstacles that tested her and shaped her. “Some core challenges included raising startup capital in a context of limited investor appetite for small or women-led enterprises, building trust for new payment models among customers unfamiliar with solar technology and recruiting and retaining talent in a competitive development sector.”
But she never backed down. “Persistence pays off, grant programs, pitch competitions and youth summits opened unexpected doors. Community engagement is vital, meaningful dialogue with end-users shapes workable solutions. Partnering with other innovators accelerates growth and resilience.”
It’s not just about pushing through hardship. It’s about transforming challenges into stepping stones.
Impact That Speaks for Itself
Mahlaseli Energy’s footprint is both deep and wide. “SolarPayGo Pilot enabled dozens of rural households to access solar without upfront costs, reducing reliance on kerosene and biomass. We hired 20 young Basotho, empowering a new generation with green jobs. We forged alliances with leading PayGo technology firms and established two branches in Lesotho.”
Recognition followed, but never as the main goal. “Mahlaseli Energy was awarded the OneYoungWorld Lead2030 SDG7 award in 2023, highlighting our innovative approach to sustainable energy. I was invited to speak and share stories at global fora such as YES and the Africa Energy Forum.”
Matsepiso’s work does not end with solar panels or balance sheets. She is deeply invested in broader social outcomes. “Beyond Mahlaseli Energy, I am passionate about youth empowerment initiatives, mentoring young entrepreneurs and advocating for inclusive, sustainable solutions. I also collaborate with regional and international partners to support advances in clean water and health access through renewable energy.”
Her impact model is not just technical. It’s personal and rooted in long-term systems change.
Advice from the Frontlines
To those who want to start but feel blocked by lack of resources, her message is clear. “Start small but start now: piloting projects, even on a shoestring, gives credibility and real-world data. Seek out mentorship and networks, platforms like YES offer connections and fresh perspectives. Focus on clear value for the end user and always stay engaged with your community. Be open to pivoting as you learn what works best on the ground.”
It’s the kind of advice that comes from someone who has walked the path not just talked about it.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion
She is not done. In fact, she is just getting started. “The growth of AI-powered tools for energy project monitoring and stakeholder communication, as seen through platforms like Enertrack, excites me for its potential to increase transparency and efficiency. The continued rise of pay-as-you-go models, digital financing and use of mobile money in energy access is something I’m watching closely. We are scaling our SolarPayGo solutions to new regions and extending our partnerships with technology providers for even larger community impact.”
The future is bright and she’s making sure more people can see it.
Perhaps the most powerful insight from her journey is not technical but human. “The biggest lesson has been that sustainable impact is built on authentic partnerships, with your team, your customers and broader networks. True leadership means listening, adapting and lifting others as you rise. This perspective has shaped both my approach to business and my personal growth as a changemaker.”
Lighting the Way for Lesotho and Beyond
Matsepiso Majoro’s story is not about quick wins or superficial success. It is about building a life and a business that reflect her values and vision. She has taken the silence of energy poverty and replaced it with the hum of solar-powered hope. She has turned barriers into blueprints and turned her country’s energy challenge into an opportunity for change.
As Mahlaseli Energy expands and as more homes across Lesotho light up with affordable, clean energy, one truth stands tall. This journey began with a girl who saw the darkness and chose to bring the light.
