The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Business Development (MTIBD) leads trade and industrial policy, investment climate reforms, SME development, and market access initiatives.
For investors, the Ministry anchors the policy interface with the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), the Companies Registry / one‑stop facilitation services, and coordination with customs and standards bodies. Its priorities include export growth into SACU/AfCFTA markets, industrial diversification, and MSME linkages into value chains.
Regulatory Framework – Scope and Coverage
MTISBSD’s scope spans: industrial policy and licensing guidance; trade policy and market access; export/import licensing where applicable; competition and consumer policy interfaces;
SME development frameworks and supplier‑development initiatives; and oversight/coordination of one‑stop business facilitation services.
Regulatory Map: Who Does What
| Area | Primary Authority / Instrument | What it Means for Investors |
| Company incorporation | Companies Registry / One‑Stop services (OBFC) | Fast registration and statutory filings for new businesses. |
| Investment facilitation | LNDC (under MTIBD policy) | Industrial and commercial sites/factory shells, aftercare, and investment promotion and facilitation services, development finance. |
| Trade policy and market access | MTIBD | Rules of trade and commerce, preferences and guidance for SACU/AfCFTA/AGOA/EPA. |
| Customs and tax | Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) | Tax numbers, VAT, customs rebates/drawbacks for exporters. |
| Standards and quality | Lesotho Standards Institute(LSI) / Department of Standards / relevant agencies | Product standards, certification, metrology and lab services. |
| Competition/ consumer | Competition and consumer protection units | Fair competition and consumer safeguards affecting market conduct. |
Investor‑Facing Services and Processes
| Service/Process | Steps | Outcome / Timing |
| Business registration | Reserve name → file incorporation docs → receive certificate | Registered company, bankable documents |
| Tax and customs onboarding | Register with RSL for income tax/VAT → customs account if importing/exporting | Tax numbers; access to rebates/drawbacks |
| Investment facilitation | Engage LNDC for sites/shells → utilities coordination → aftercare | Faster setup on industrial estates |
| Export readiness | Check rules of origin and standards → apply for preferences (e.g., AGOA) → quality certification | Preferential access; compliance for buyers |
| MSME linkages | Participate in supplier‑development/cluster programmes | Local sourcing partners; eligibility for incentives |