Conference Agenda

1. Problem Statement and Purpose

In shaping the future of governance, Lesotho is still battling with energy poverty, especially in the rural areas. Despite the evident benefits of integrating renewable energy access, such as solar and biogas, rural areas in Lesotho exhibit low participation in these initiatives due to socio-economic challenges and inadequate infrastructure. Less than 20% of rural households have consistent access to electricity; they rely on non-commercial energy sources such as firewood, which impairs health due to indoor air pollution and exacerbates environmental degradation.

This paper explores a policy analysis in the implementation of the Sustainable Energy for All Project in Lesotho in the context of rural communities (Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek, Thaba-Tseka, Mohale’s Hoek, and Mafeteng) in an endeavor to shape the future of governance. The study aims to uncover strategies that facilitate the adoption of renewable energy while also advancing sustainability and inclusion. Your involvement and support are crucial in shaping the future of governance in Lesotho.

2. Methodology

This study adopted a qualitative research design, utilizing the interview protocol with an inductive approach to theory development. Therefore, a semi-structured interview guide was used in this study to gather the lived experiences of the participants involved in the implementation of the SE4All project to be able to provide a policy analysis of the project. The review of secondary data was also utilized. The analysis of data was carried out through ATLAS.ti software. Themes and coding were performed according to research questions.

3. Findings

The study revealed that the future of governance requires inclusive policy frameworks that consider local community dynamics, economic constraints, and cultural preferences in the deployment of renewable energy technologies. Policies promoting renewable energy adoption must be tailored and culturally sensitive, which is essential for enhancing community engagement and fostering a sense of ownership over energy solutions.

4. Proposal

Strengthening public service governance requires implementing sound policies in the sustainable energy for all project to drive progression of plans in renewable energy technologies for the rural communities. This will promote human development and economic growth of the rural people. Policies that make provision for the regulation of off-grid solutions and subsidies also contribute significantly to the implementation of SE4All to ensure sustainability and access to electricity in hard-to-reach areas due to the country’s terrain, where infrastructure is lacking. Finally, policies must provide a financial framework for private investors to invest in renewable energy solutions.

5. Reference

Bakehe, N.P. (2021). What drives biogas adoption in rural Lesotho? African Development Review, 33(2), 357-367. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12537

Mothala, M., Thamae, R.J., & Mpholo, M. (2022). Determinants of household energy fuel choice in Lesotho. Journal of Energy in Southern Africa, 33(2), 24-34. Retrieved from doi:10.17159/2413.3051/2022/v33i2a13190

Streimikiene, D., Mikalauskiene, A., & Macijauskaide-Daunaraviciene, U. (2021). Role of information management in implementing the Green Deal in the EU and US. Journal of International Studies, 15(4), 9-27. Retrieved from doi.1014254/2071-8330.2022/15-4/1

1. Problem Statement and Purpose

The First Launch Economy refers to the general term for economic activities such as enterprises launching new products, introducing new business formats, models, services and technologies, and opening flagship stores. It covers the entire chain of development from the first release or exhibition of products/services, the first landing of physical stores, the first establishment of R&D centers, to the setting up of corporate headquarters.The first launch economy, an emerging economy with scientific and technological innovation at its core, has become a crucial driver for industrial development and consumption upgrading，now key challenges it faces now include insufficient industrial chain coordination, inadequate depth of cross-industry integration, limited innovation origination capabilities, under-released innovative vitality of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), lagging intellectual property protection and standard systems, and insufficient international competitiveness.

Technology finance, meanwhile, plays a pivotal role as a catalyst in the growth of first launch economy.Exploring the theoretical mechanisms by which technology finance promotes the development of the First Launch Economy and the main challenges it faces, and then proposing corresponding path recommendations, is of great theoretical and practical significance.

2. Methodology

This paper employs multiple methods such as quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and case analysis,explores the main characteristics and significance of the first launch economy, combs through the theoretical mechanisms by which technology finance empowers the first launch economy, summarizes the main challenges it currently faces and the paths to accelerate the development of technology finance and better empower the first launch economy.

3. Findings

The study shows:(1) The first launch economy is characterized by leadership and trend-setting, innovation and uniqueness, and industrial chain development;(2) Technology finance empowers the high-quality development of the first launch economy through channels such as optimizing financial resource allocation, innovating financial product systems, promoting regional factor mobility, and strengthening industrial chain linkages;(3) In the process of empowering the first launch economy, technology finance faces major challenges including uneven regional development, difficulty in assessing information value, incomplete product systems, insufficient talent supply, and lack of ecological linkages.

4. Proposal

To promote the better development of technology finance and leverage its role in boosting the First Launch Economy, Efforts should be made to construct regional coordination mechanisms to enhance the spatial allocation efficiency of resource elements, improve information sharing systems to strengthen the value identification capability of the First Launch Economy, enrich the supply of financial products and services to enhance financial adaptability, accelerate the cultivation of composite talent to address shortcomings in competency structures, and build a diversified collaborative ecosystem to improve cross-regional linkage

5. References

[1] Lai Li, Hu Leming, & Su Xiaozhou. (2024). The Connotation Mechanism and Path Selection of the First Launch Economy Empowering Consumption Upgrading. Economist, (12), 74-83.

[2] Huang Yinlin & Xu Zheng. (2025). The Theoretical Connotation, Value Implication and Key Focus Points for the Development of the First Launch Economy. Huxiang Forum, 38(01), 115-124.

[3] Ye Xu, Wang Shuaiyao, & Mao Zhonggen. (2025). The Generation Logic, Development Trend and Policy Focus of the First Launch Economy. Reform, (01), 93-106.