MASERU – The Government of Lesotho has launched the Lesotho National Single Window (LNSW), a digital platform aimed at streamlining trade processes, reducing transaction costs and improving the ease of doing business.
The platform, launched in Maseru on Monday, was implemented by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development through the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, financed by the World Bank.
It enables importers, exporters and their agents to electronically submit applications for trade-related licences, permits and certificates through a single online platform, reducing the need to move from one government agency to another.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Mr. Motlatsi Maqelepo said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment and improving the competitiveness of local enterprises.
He said the single window is expected to reduce processing times and administrative burdens while improving efficiency and transparency in international trade.
He urged government ministries and agencies connected to the platform to use it optimally and continue working together to address challenges that may arise during implementation.
Mr. Maqelepo said 12 government ministries and agencies were currently connected to the system and had already reported improved efficiency.
He noted, however, that challenges remained, particularly regarding payment options, saying the government is developing a payment gateway that would eventually be integrated into the system to facilitate seamless digital transactions.
He also called for the development of an appropriate legal framework to govern the National Single Window, saying its current operation was being guided through a memorandum of understanding among participating agencies.
CAFI Managing Director Mr. Chaba Mokuku, said the LNSW is a significant milestone in improving the country’s business and investment environment.
He explained that the platform allows traders to submit standardised information and documents through a single online entry point, enabling them to fulfil regulatory requirements for imports, exports and goods in transit without visiting multiple agencies.
He said the LNSW forms part of a broader government agenda to improve the business environment, alongside reforms in business registration and licensing, access to finance, tax payments and cross-border trade.
RSL Commissioner General Mr. Rakokoana Makoa said the launch represents a major step towards improving trade facilitation and strengthening the organisation’s use of technology to improve service delivery.
He said the system has already demonstrated growing adoption, with electronic applications increasing significantly since its implementation.
Mr. Makoa said the platform will make compliance faster, improve data accuracy and provide greater transparency and predictability for traders, while also enabling the government to strengthen compliance and revenue collection.
He stressed that the launch marks the beginning rather than the end of the reform, noting that further work is required to expand electronic payment arrangements, integrate additional agencies and strengthen the legal and governance framework.
A trader, Mr. Lebese Mochelanyane said traders had been involved in its development and were already experiencing its benefits.
He said the system allowed traders to apply for permits at any time and receive assistance from government officials when technical challenges arose.
He pledged continued support for the LNSW, saying the platform has the potential to significantly improve the country’s trading environment.
The LNSW is expected to contribute to reduced clearance times and transaction costs, increased transparency and improved competitiveness, while supporting export diversification and regional integration.
Ends/MAMAJ
