Lesotho
Lesotho runs on mountain water piped straight to South Africa, a textile industry built on duty-free US access, and diamonds pulled from some of the world’s highest mines. This is where Basotho businesses meet the buyers, partners, and suppliers looking for them, inside the country and across the region.
List your businessAfrica’s only country sitting entirely above 1,000 metres, exporting water and diamonds while building one of the region’s largest garment industries.
Verified Businesses in Lesotho
Connect with verified companies across Maseru, Teyateyaneng, Mafeteng, Leribe & Mohale’s Hoek
Why Lesotho punches above its size
- Export water that powers a neighboring economy
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project sends water, and a growing stream of royalty revenue, straight into South Africa.
- Build a textile industry on duty-free US access
AGOA preferences have made garment manufacturing one of the country’s largest employers, with factories exporting straight to American retailers.
- Trade through one efficient corridor
With around 90% of exports flowing to South Africa under SACU, logistics, customs and freight businesses stay in constant demand.
- Main business languagesSesotho, English
- Key exportWater (Highlands Water Project)
- Textile trade driverAGOA (US duty-free access)
- Other leading exportDiamonds
- Capital & economic hubMaseru
- Regional blocsSACU, SADC
- CurrencyLesotho loti (LSL)
- Time zoneSAST (UTC+2)
- Calling code+266
Starting a business in Lesotho?
Registering a business in Lesotho means working through One-Stop Business Facilitation Centre (OBFC) / Companies Register. This guide breaks down the real steps, approximate cost, and approximate timeline, so you know what to expect before you begin.
Steps, fees, and timelines are approximate and compiled from public 2026 guides to the official process. Confirm current details directly with the official portal