This strategy, outlines Lesotho’s vision for modernization through digital technologies over the next six years. It encompasses initiatives to build digital infrastructure, improve service delivery, and foster digital literacy across sectors.

A 2004 World Bank-sponsored report examines the potential benefits of private sector involvement in Lesotho’s infrastructure sectors. It underscores three key advantages: supplementing public budgets, enhancing service quality and efficiency, and accelerating infrastructure development through public-private partnerships.

This 2014 amendment restored the role of the Commissioner of Lands as the government official responsible for land planning functions, which had been shifted to the Land Administration Authority under the 2010 Act. The amendment realigns planning powers back to the government through the Commissioner of Lands.

Published as Act No. 27 of 2024 on 5 April 2024, this Notice updates minimum wage standards as determined by the Wages and Conditions of Work Advisory Board. It formally repeals prior notices and sets new baseline wages.

This Act replaces the outdated 1992 Labour Code. It consolidates all labour and employment laws into a modern framework that strengthens employee protections, aligns national law with international labour standards, and extends the scope to include public-sector workers. It notably enhances guidelines for employment relationships, rights at work, and enforcement mechanisms.

Legal Notice No. 3 of 2017 grants the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and its officials broad immunities within Lesotho. These include immunity from legal processes for SACU property and documents, exemption from taxes and customs duties, and inviolability for SACU officials performing official duties. Disposition of SACU property requires explicit government consent, and the SACU Executive Secretary retains authority to waive immunity when appropriate.

Established in May 2011 (Gazette No. 48), these rules introduced a court-annexed mediation process for High Court disputes. Under the system, mediation is mandatory before litigation can proceed, and it is overseen by designated mediators. The aim is to facilitate early settlement of disputes in a less adversarial manner.

These rules, issued as Legal Notice No. 65 of 2024 and promulgated by the Chief Justice under constitutional and High Court Act provisions, came into effect upon publication in the Government Gazette on 21 June 2024. They establish a judge-driven approach to civil, commercial, matrimonial, and constitutional litigation, aiming to ensure that cases are handled justly, swiftly, and cost-effectively. The rules cover pleadings, evidence, judgment enforcement, and witness procedures.

These regulations, issued in 2014, govern the operations of foreign exchange bureaus in Lesotho, setting licensing, operational, and compliance standards for entities facilitating foreign currency transactions.

These 2014 regulations under the Financial Institutions Act (2012) establish licensing frameworks for micro-finance institutions (MFIs), distinguishing “credit-only” and “deposit-taking” tiers.

The Youth Employment Stimulus Program (2020–2023), led by the Government of Lesotho, aimed to mitigate youth unemployment through a range of interventions, including training and job placement. While specifics on its final iteration weren’t fully accessible, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment under Vision 2020/2030 frameworks to expand opportunities for Basotho youth.

Lesotho’s National Diaspora Policy, published in July 2021, outlines governmental strategies to harness the skills and investment potential of Basotho living abroad. Developed with support from IOM under a multi-stakeholder consultative framework, the policy focuses on encouraging diaspora engagement through outreach forums, encouraging remittances, reintegration of returning migrants, and participation in national development.

The Companies Regulations of 2012 supplement the Companies Act (2011) by detailing procedural and administrative requirements for company formation, filing, and regulatory compliance. They govern aspects such as incorporation protocols, documentation standards, and relationship with the Registrar of Companies—ensuring companies in Lesotho adhere to statutory corporate governance standards.

The Administration of Estates and Inheritance Act (Act 2 of 2024), which came into force on April 2, 2024, comprehensively modernises laws governing the administration and distribution of estates in Lesotho. It consolidates and repeals outdated legislation such as the Wills Ordinance (1843), the Law of Inheritance Act (1873), and others, while expanding inheritance rights—ensuring equal entitlement for all children (including those born out of wedlock) and allowing individuals to freely draft wills. The Act also addresses distribution under both civil and customary law, aiming to remedy inequities and fragmentation in prior estate administration systems.

The Companies Act of 2009 provides the legal framework for the registration and operation of companies in Eswatini. It defines the types of companies, outlines directors’ duties and shareholders’ rights, and modernises insolvency and governance rules. It is intended to align Eswatini corporate law with international standards and improve investor confidence. This Act belongs to the corporate and business law sector, was enacted in 2009 and came into force in 2010, and is managed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade through the Registrar of Companies.

The Competition Act of 2007 created the Eswatini Competition Commission and set out rules to prevent anti-competitive practices. It prohibits cartels, collusion, and abuse of market dominance, while also requiring mergers and acquisitions to be reviewed to safeguard fair competition. Its aim is to ensure open markets and protect consumer welfare. This law falls under the sector of competition and market regulation, was enacted in 2007, and is administered through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade.

The Consumer Credit Act of 2016 regulates the granting of consumer credit and protects borrowers from unfair practices. It requires credit providers to be licensed, ensures transparency in agreements, and lays out rules for debt collection and repossession. Its purpose is to prevent reckless lending and over-indebtedness while promoting responsible access to credit. The Act falls under consumer protection and financial services, was enacted in 2016, and is managed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade with supervision from the Central Bank.

The Money Laundering Amendment Act of 2016 strengthened the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system. It expanded definitions of financial crimes, set strict requirements for customer due diligence, and introduced penalties for non-compliance. The law also empowered the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Centre to monitor suspicious transactions and cooperate internationally. This Act belongs to the financial regulation sector, was passed in 2016, and is overseen by the Ministry of Finance together with the Central Bank and EFIC.

The Multilateral Monetary Agreement of 1992 formalised Eswatini’s participation in the Common Monetary Area alongside South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia. It allows the South African rand to circulate freely as legal tender in Eswatini, while the lilangeni remains the national currency. The agreement coordinates monetary and exchange arrangements across member states. It belongs to the monetary policy and regional integration sector, was signed in 1992, and is administered by the Central Bank of Eswatini in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.

The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act of 2018 modernised Eswatini’s criminal law on sexual and domestic abuse. It criminalises acts such as spousal rape, harassment, stalking, and other forms of abuse, while also establishing a sexual offenders register and protection orders for victims. It emphasises stronger sentencing and victim support mechanisms. The Act belongs to the criminal law and human rights sector, was passed in 2018, and is implemented through the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs together with the Ministry responsible for Gender and Family Affairs.