Transport and Logistics

Overview

The transport and logistics (including storage) sector contributes significantly to Leostho’s GDP – 2% in 2024 (Source: BOS). As a land‑enclave within South Africa, Lesotho depends on cross‑border road corridors and South Africa’s marine and airports ports (Durban, Port Elizabeth, ORT International Airport) for trade. Logistics opportunities include fleet and warehousing services, dry‑port and border logistics at Maseru Bridge, cold‑chain development for horticulture, and last‑mile distribution for e‑commerce.

Sector Structure and Key Facts

• Network: Primary dependence on roads; rail access via South African connections.
• Trade flows: High share of imports/exports move through Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg border posts.
• Employment: Trucking, warehousing and 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services employ drivers, mechanics and logistics managers.
• Trends: Growth in cold‑chain and e‑commerce last‑mile services; border modernisation and single‑window initiatives.

Competitive Analysis

Short haul distances to South Africa’s major markets, road networks and ports (Gauteng, Free State, Durban, and Eastern); strong regional and international connectivity, lower operating costs; niche in high‑altitude tourism logistics and horticulture cold chain.

Institutional and Legal Framework

• Ministry of Public Works and Transport  – transport policy, regulation, infrastructure development, land terminals and airports management.
• Roads Directorate – responsible for construction, up grading, rehabilitation and maintenance of primary, secondary, tertiary and other roads and bridges on the Lesotho Road Network.
• RSL – Border Management Agency (BMA) – coordination of borders’ administration. 
• RSL – Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) – trade facilitation at Lesotho, regional and international borders.

Incentives and Support Schemes

Key Investment Opportunities

Dry‑port/ICD at Maseru Bridge; bonded warehousing; horticulture cold‑rooms; 3PL services integrated with SA retailers; e‑commerce fulfilment.

Other Investor Information:

Border efficiency and customs compliance drive competitiveness; road safety and driver training are essential.

Compliance and Participation Strategies:

Customs registration with LRA; transport licensing; adherence to cross‑border and SADC road regulations.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic access to SA markets and ports.
• Cold chain and fulfilment are growing niches.
• Compliance and reliability win contracts.

Checklist for Foreign Investors

• Register with LRA/customs
• Secure warehousing site
• Implement TMS/cold‑chain
• Train drivers and safety systems

Helpful Links:

• Ministry of Public Works and Transport
• Roads Directorate
• RSL – Border Management Agency (BMA)
• RSL – Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
• World Bank – Logistics indicators