Hopolang Mokhopi
IN THE heart of Maseru, the steady hum of commerce is growing louder, thanks to a powerful boost from Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) which has injected more than M127 million into the hands of Basotho entrepreneurs and commercial enterprises through loans since April last year.
This milestone was shared by Keketso Makara, Head of Business and Commercial Banking at SLB, during the launch of the Bank’s 2025 Trade Campaign recently.
Since April 2024 when the bank introduced its Trade Finance Solutions, more than M127 million in business loans has been advanced to Basotho entrepreneurs and commercial enterprises.
The campaign aims to ensure that more Basotho business owners are aware of the financing options available to them. The options are designed to tackle access to capital which is one of biggest hurdles to Lesotho’s economic development.
Local businesses are the lifeblood of Lesotho’s economy as these not only keep supply chains moving but also provide jobs to thousands of families.
Yet, for many, the dream of growth is often dampened by dearth of capital and SLB is determined to change that narrative.
“At Standard Lesotho Bank, we are committed to finding innovative solutions for our clients’ challenges,” Mr Makara said.
“The success of our Trade Finance products shows how we are creating opportunities for small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger commercial organisations across Lesotho.”
Trade, after all, is the engine of any economy, he added.
“It relies on the constant buying and selling of goods and services, but it also demands liquidity — ready cash that keeps businesses running smoothly,” Mr Makara said.
He said SLB’s Trade Finance portfolio addresses this need through three flagship products.
First, Invoice Discounting Finance allows businesses to access funds tied up in unpaid invoices, improving cash flow and ensuring operations continue even when payments are delayed.
Next, Local Purchase Order Finance gives companies the capital to pay suppliers upfront against verified purchase orders, enabling them to fulfil large contracts without draining their resources.
Finally, Contract Finance offers much-needed operating funds for businesses to complete certified contracts — especially crucial for contractors tackling major projects like building schools.
In fact, Mr Makara revealed that over 80 percent of recent business loans had supported such contract-based ventures, reflecting the nation’s current construction boom.
Whether secured or unsecured, these financing options are more than just products, they are a lifeline, Mr Makara said.
According to him, they reflect SLB’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of Lesotho’s business sector.
With the largest lending book in the country of about M9.2 billion as of December 2024, the bank stands at the forefront of bridging the gap between financial access and business success.
“This is how we, Standard Lesotho Bank, live true to our purpose when we say, ‘Lesotho is our home, we drive her growth.’ We are currently the only bank bold enough to introduce these innovative solutions,” Mr Makara said.
“SLB boasts the largest lending book in the country, exceeding M9.2 billion as of December 2024.”
Through bold innovation and unwavering support, he said, SLB is empowering Basotho businesses to reach new heights, in the process shaping the economic future of the nation.
