…launch integrated e-payment system
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) have partnered to transform the tax payment experience, placing convenience, efficiency, compliance and trust at the centre of service delivery.
With the launch of an integrated e-payment system, taxpayers can now pay their taxes through the USSD option, the SLB mobile app and the internet banking platform, enabling payments anytime and anywhere.
Speaking at the launch held this week at Victory Hall, RSL Acting Commissioner General, Obed ’Nete, said the initiative was not merely about technology, but about making it easier for Basotho and the broader taxpaying community to meet their obligations in a simple, secure and reliable manner.
Mr ’Nete said the partnership with SLB was a continuation of a journey that began in 2022, guided by a clear ambition to build a modern payment gateway that delivers the speed, transparency and reliability expected of a 21st-century revenue administration.
“For many years, paying tax was associated with long queues at service centres, piles of paperwork and uncertainty,” Mr ’Nete said.
“Today, we take a decisive step away from that reality. Through the integration of RSL’s systems with SLB, we are reshaping the tax payment experience, placing convenience, efficiency and trust at the centre of service delivery.”
He announced the rollout of three digital payment platforms under the integration: the USSD option, the Standard Lesotho Bank app and the internet banking platform.
Mr ’Nete explained that these channels allow individuals and businesses to pay all taxes — including Corporate Income Tax, PAYE, VAT and customs duties — conveniently through the bank’s digital platforms.
“This integration significantly reduces manual processes and improves accuracy, turnaround times and reliability. To ensure system stability and a positive user experience, we implemented a pilot phase involving approximately 500 clients. The pilot performed well, demonstrating reliable end-to-end processing and positive uptake across all channels.”
He added that since the system went live in October 2025, RSL has recorded 103 customs transactions and 148 inland tax transactions, confirming both functionality and growing adoption.
“Our ultimate goal has always been to simplify tax payments while strengthening compliance.
“This initiative builds on earlier integrations with Lesotho’s mobile network operators, creating a unified ecosystem where commercial banks, mobile money platforms and agent networks work seamlessly together.”
According to Mr ’Nete, centralising payment processing on a single platform advances RSL’s strategic objective of achieving 95 percent operational efficiency across core tax and customs processes, while also creating a consistent and positive experience at every taxpayer touchpoint.
He said the system introduces automated reconciliation, strengthens reporting accuracy, improves performance monitoring and significantly reduces unreceipted payments. The integration, he said, also strengthens revenue protection.
“By linking tax obligations directly with payment confirmations, we reduce the risk of under-reporting, misreporting and revenue leakage. In doing so, we safeguard public resources and ensure that revenues collected are channelled towards essential services that Basotho depend on.”
SLB Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Seboka, commended RSL for partnering with the bank on what he described as a groundbreaking initiative that has achieved full integration of RSL services for both physical and electronic collections.
Mr Seboka said the decision reflected confidence in SLB’s capabilities and a shared vision to modernise revenue collection in a way that benefits taxpayers, strengthens institutions and supports national development.
“At its core, this project is about enabling the revenue authority to perform its mandate seamlessly, while ensuring that taxpayers experience a service that is efficient, secure and accessible through modern electronic channels,” Mr Seboka said.
He also said the launch marked the second iteration of SLB’s electronic revenue collection solution.
“Last year, together, we implemented the first phase of this system — a project that delivered tangible results and demonstrated what is possible when innovation is guided by collaboration and execution excellence.
“At SLB, we are deeply committed to working with institutions such as RSL to introduce technological innovations that go beyond systems — innovations that change lives,” he added. “We see technology as an enabler of efficiency for institutions, compliance for taxpayers, and transparency and accountability for the nation.”
Mr Seboka also highlighted the long-standing relationship between SLB and RSL, noting that this year marks 30 years since the bank’s establishment.
“Over these three decades, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to Lesotho — supporting the growth of national institutions, businesses and individuals through changing times.”
He said this commitment is reflected in SLB’s purpose statement: ‘Lesotho is our home, we drive her growth’.
“Today we celebrate progress, partnership and what is possible when institutions come together with a shared vision to serve the nation better. As SLB marks 30 years of existence, we do so with renewed energy and a clear commitment to continue working alongside organisations such as RSL to drive innovation, efficiency and positive impact for Basotho,” Mr Seboka said.
