The Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) is the primary parastatal organization of the Government of Lesotho, mandated with the responsibility for initiating, promoting, and facilitating manufacturing and processing industries, as well as the development of commercial, agriculture and agro-processing, and service sectors. The LNDC achieves its mandate through various investment promotion and facilitation services:
- Investment Promotion: LNDC actively promotes Lesotho as an attractive investment destination for local and international investors. This involves participating in investment conferences, organizing investor missions, and marketing Lesotho’s investment opportunities and incentives.
- Investment Facilitation: The LNDC provides a range of facilitation services to investors, including:
- Business Registration and Licensing: Assisting investors with company registration, obtaining necessary licenses, and navigating regulatory processes.
- Industrial Land and Factory Shells: Providing serviced industrial land and purpose-built factory shells for lease to manufacturing and processing companies.
- Access to Finance: Assisting investors in accessing financing options, including local commercial banks and development finance institutions. This includes direct involvement through LNDC Development Finance, which offers financial support to viable projects.
- Aftercare Services: Offering ongoing support to established businesses to address operational challenges and facilitate expansion.
- Investment Incentives Administration: Guiding investors through the process of applying for and benefiting from government investment incentives, such as tax holidays and rebates.
- Industrial Estates and Commercial Properties: LNDC develops and manages a portfolio of industrial estates and commercial properties, offering suitable infrastructure and premises for various businesses.
- Joint Ventures and Partnerships: The LNDC actively seeks to foster joint ventures and partnerships between local and foreign investors to promote technology transfer, skills development, and local participation in various sectors.
- Policy Advocacy: The LNDC engages with the Government of Lesotho to advocate for policies and reforms that improve the investment climate, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and enhance the ease of doing business in the country.