Business Environment in Lesotho
The Government of Lesotho is
committed to an aggressive programme of industrialisation through private sector
investment by local and foreign companies. To maximise this investment it has
created structures, which will minimise bureaucracy leaving companies free to
concentrate on their primary objectives of growth and profitability. It is also
committed to creating an environment conducive to a happy and rewarding
lifestyle.
The Corporation
is structured to operate as a “One Stop Service”, and to provide for the needs
of an investor through its various professional divisions. It liaises with
government departments and other parastatals to ensure that the necessary
permits and services are forthcoming on a timeous basis. This reduces,
substantially, the lead time between indication to invest and the actual
procurement of necessary approvals/services required to commence business.
Work Permits
Work permits for company directors and management team are
granted automatically. Where specialised technology or skills are required and
suitably qualified Basotho are not available, non citizens may be employed
subject to obtaining work permits from the Ministry of Employment and Labour, as
well as residence permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The LNDC assists
in processing applications with relevant ministries.
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Quality of Life
It is important to most prospective industrialists that their
management and staff not only enjoy good working conditions, but also a pleasant
living and recreational environment. Lesotho, a land of majestic natural
beauty, has a lot to offer.
Housing
There is a stock of good quality housing available and rental
rates are reasonable.
Education
Schools of high educational standard at primary, secondary
and high school level are available throughout the country. In addition, Maseru
has some well established international schools while Roma, the National
University offers degree courses in a wide variety of faculties such as
commerce, law, accounting, administration, economics and science.
The Institute of Development Management offers courses in
management, finance and administration while the Centre for Accounting Studies
trains financial experts. There are specialised institutes which provide
training in secretarial courses, bookkeeping, nursing, building, carpentry,
joinery, motor mechanics, plumbing, electronics, laboratory technician work,
agriculture and agricultural engineering.
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Medical Facilities
Lesotho is served by a network of hospitals, clinics and
health centres which provide basic facilities throughout most of the country.
A flying doctor service is provided for the remote
mountainous areas while patients needing specialised medical treatment not
available in Lesotho are referred to hospitals in the neighbouring Republic of
South Africa.
Shopping
All major town centres offer banking facilities and
supermarkets and are within easy reach of Maseru which has a variety of chain
stores, supermarkets, boutiques and entertainment. Food and other consumer
durables are available at competitive prices.
Hotels and Restaurants
Lesotho’s hospitality and tourist infrastructure is fairly
sophisticated and well established. International chains, such as Sun
International have set up hotels in the capital and together with independent
hotels and restaurants offer dining, dancing and gambling. In addition
self-catering “Alpine” lodges where guests can enjoy peace and solitude provide
a leisure experience rather than just a room to sleep in.
Car Rental Agencies
Major car rental agencies in the country include Avis and
Budget.
Traveling Agencies
Traveling Agency Contact Numbers
Execu Travel (PTY) Ltd +266 22325113, 22320527
SAA City Centre Maseru Travel +266 22310662
Harvey World Travel +266 22323706
Maluti Travel & Tours +266 22327173
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Sporting Activities
Swimming either at the hotels/lodges or in the crystal clear
mountain rivers, tennis, cricket, horse racing, squash, golf and football are
some of the sports facilities available. Trout fishing, mountain climbing and
pony trekking on sure-footed Basotho ponies are some of the other outdoor
activities that the sunny Lesotho climate permits. One can also opt to hunt
dinosaur’s footprints in the mountains or seek curios in the towns as well as
watch traditional dancing in the villages.
Every year Lesotho is host to the famous “Roof of Africa” car
rally which follows the hairpin bends in the Maluti Mountains and ends in
Maseru. It is to be noted in this regard that not only does Lesotho boast the
highest mountain peak in Southern Africa, the 3842 m Thabana Ntlenyana on the
Majestic Mountain Range, but virtually two thirds is covered by the awe
inspiring Maluti Mountains with their precipitous slopes, deep crevasses and
beautiful valleys.
