Maseru – The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development has launched the Lesotho National Single Window, a digital platform intended to simplify trade procedures and improve the business environment in the neighbouring Kingdom.
The platform was officially unveiled at Victory Hall on Monday, 24 August 2026, under the World Bank financed Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project, commonly known as CAFI. Revenue Services Lesotho said the system is expected to make international trade faster and more convenient for traders, brokers and other users.
The Lesotho National Single Window allows traders to submit applications for certificates, licences and permits through one online portal. It also enables them to meet regulatory requirements for imports, exports and goods in transit without having to approach different government agencies separately. 
Speaking during the launch, CAFI Managing Director Chaba Mokuku said the platform enables traders to submit the required documents and standardised information through a single online entry point.
He said traders could complete the necessary forms from their homes or offices, reducing the time and costs associated with the movement of paperwork between government departments.
“Lesotho deployed this platform in fulfilment of Article 10.4 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, which requires all member states to establish such a platform to facilitate trade,” Mr Mokuku said.
The platform was first piloted in 2022 with two agencies, Revenue Services Lesotho, which was then known as the Lesotho Revenue Authority, and the One Stop Business Facilitation Centre.
It has since expanded to include 12 other government agencies, with 88 certificates, licences and permits processes automated. The system is also linked to ASYCUDA World for customs declarations.
Revenue Services Lesotho has now assumed full ownership of the system. Official figures strongly suggest that the platform has reached 7,035 registrations and 45,521 applications.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Motlatsi Maqelepo said the initiative was not only intended to help Lesotho meet its international obligations, but would also improve the experience of businesses involved in cross border trade.
“The main objective of this undertaking is not only to meet the international obligations that Lesotho has undertaken, but is primarily targeted at, among others, improved private sector convenience, reduced costs, alleviating the administrative burden on traders, and improving the overall efficiency of international trade,” the Minister said.
The launch forms part of Lesotho’s broader efforts to modernise public services, reduce administrative delays and use digital systems to support private sector growth.
