Lesotho Business Directory & List of Companies

Capital City and 5 Largest Cities in Lesotho

• Maseru is not only the capital city but also the largest city in Lesotho. It is the economic, political, and cultural center of the country and is located near the border with South Africa.
• Teyateyaneng (TY), often referred to as TY, is the second-largest city in Lesotho. It is an important trading center and is known for its marketplaces.
• Mafeteng is the third-largest city in Lesotho and serves as a commercial and administrative center for the surrounding region.
• Hlotse is the fourth-largest city in Lesotho and is located in the Leribe District. It is known for its markets and trading activities.
• Mohale's Hoek is the fifth-largest city in Lesotho and is located in the southwestern part of the country. It is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural activities.

Lesotho on Map - see more from Google map

Lesotho Economy in Figures

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): In 2020, Lesotho's GDP was approximately 2.8 billion USD, according to the World Bank.
2. GDP Growth Rate: Lesotho's GDP growth rate has varied over the years but has generally been moderate.
3. GDP per Capita: In 2020, Lesotho's GDP per capita was approximately 1,165 USD (World Bank estimate).
4. Key Sectors: Lesotho's economy is characterized by several sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, textiles and apparel, and services.
5. Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in Lesotho's economy, with maize, sorghum, wheat, and other crops being cultivated. Livestock farming is also prevalent.
6. Manufacturing: The textile and apparel industry is one of the most important manufacturing sectors in Lesotho. Many textile factories produce garments for export, especially to the United States.
7. Mining: Lesotho is known for its diamond mining industry, which contributes to the country's revenue and export earnings.
8. Services: The services sector includes various components such as trade, finance, tourism, and government services.
9. Remittances: Lesotho receives remittances from Basotho (citizens of Lesotho) working abroad, particularly in South Africa. These remittances are a significant source of income for many households.
10. Currency: The currency of Lesotho is the Lesotho Loti (LSL), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR).
11. Challenges: Lesotho faces economic challenges, including high unemployment, limited economic diversification, and income inequality. The country also deals with issues related to HIV/AIDS, which impacts its labor force and healthcare system.
12. Government Initiatives: The government of Lesotho has implemented initiatives to promote economic growth, including efforts to diversify the economy beyond textiles and mining.

Ten Top Companies in Lesotho

1. Lesotho Flour Mills: Lesotho Flour Mills is a major player in the milling industry in Lesotho, producing a range of flour products.
2. Metolong Authority: The Metolong Authority is responsible for managing the Metolong Dam and Water Supply Program, providing water resources and infrastructure development.
3. Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA): LHDA is responsible for the development and management of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), which involves water transfer and hydropower generation.
4. Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA): LCA is the regulatory authority for the communications sector in Lesotho, overseeing telecommunications and broadcasting.
5. Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC): LNDC is a government agency focused on promoting investment and industrial development in Lesotho.
6. Morija Printing Works: Morija Printing Works is known for its printing services, including publishing educational materials and literature.
7. Liqhobong Mining Development Company (LMDC): LMDC is involved in diamond mining operations in Lesotho, particularly at the Liqhobong Diamond Mine.
8. Wool and Mohair Promotion Project (WAMPP): WAMPP is a government initiative aimed at supporting the wool and mohair industry, which is vital to Lesotho's rural economy.
9. Lesotho Sun Hotel and Casino: Lesotho Sun is a well-known hotel and casino complex located in Maseru, the capital city.
10. Private Textile and Apparel Manufacturers: Lesotho has several textile and apparel manufacturing companies that produce garments for export, including to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). These companies include firms like Nien Hsing Textile (Lesotho) Plc.

Ten Top Banks in Lesotho

1. Standard Lesotho Bank: Standard Lesotho Bank is one of the largest banks in Lesotho, offering a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses.
2. First National Bank (FNB) Lesotho: FNB Lesotho is a subsidiary of FirstRand Group and provides banking and financial solutions in Lesotho.
3. Nedbank Lesotho Limited: Nedbank Lesotho is part of the Nedbank Group and offers banking and financial services to customers in Lesotho.
4. Lesotho PostBank: Lesotho PostBank is a government-owned financial institution that provides banking services to the public, with a focus on financial inclusion.
5. Standard Chartered Bank Lesotho: Standard Chartered Bank operates in Lesotho and offers various banking and financial products.
6. Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC): While primarily a government agency, LNDC is involved in financing and development initiatives, including support for business ventures in Lesotho.
7. African Alliance Lesotho: African Alliance is an investment bank that operates in Lesotho, offering financial and investment services.
8. Ntsika Capital (Pty) Ltd: Ntsika Capital is a financial services company in Lesotho, providing asset management and investment advisory services.
9. Lephema Executive Group: Lephema Executive Group is involved in financial services, including asset management and insurance brokerage.
10. Lesotho Cooperative Development Agency (LCDA): LCDA is a government agency that supports the development of cooperatives in Lesotho, including financial cooperatives.