Standard Lesotho Bank proudly partners XPORT

Powering Basotho businesses growth on the China trade highway
TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI
MASERU – The global trade arena, especially the dynamic corridor linking Africa and China, holds transformative potential for economies like Lesotho – and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB), has stepped boldly forward as a catalyst for change, transforming this landscape through a powerful local partnership and strategic global alliances.
Basotho small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have faced hurdles of international trade where sourcing reliable suppliers, securing finance, navigating complex logistics, and managing cross-border transactions have historically seemed insurmountable. As a result the SLB proudly partnered with XPORT, a distinguished local consulting company specializing in global commodity sourcing, particularly from China, SLB is equipping Basotho businesses with the keys to unlock unprecedented opportunity.
This commitment was vividly demonstrated at the recent China Sourcing and Global Trade Symposium, an empowering initiative spearheaded by SLB and XPORT. Far more than just a workshop, this dynamic event served as a practical gateway to global markets, designed explicitly to help Basotho businesses cut through complexity.
Its mission was to empower them to source directly from Chinese manufacturers, significantly reduce import costs, and unlock new frontiers in international trade. This symposium embodies a broader, audacious vision: to ignite opportunity, inspire entrepreneurship, and give rise to a new generation of globally-minded Basotho business leaders.
“We are not just connecting Basotho to markets, we are equipping them to compete and thrive,” declared Manyathela Kheleli, Brand and Marketing Manager, Communications and Sponsorships at Standard Lesotho Bank.
“By opening the door to direct sourcing from the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, we are helping businesses and individuals reduce costs, build resilience, and realise their full potential.”
XPORT brings indispensable local understanding and specialized global sourcing expertise to this partnership. Unlike generic platforms, XPORT focuses on the specific needs and challenges faced by Basotho businesses venturing into the vast Chinese market.
Their deep knowledge includes identifying and vetting reliable Chinese manufacturers across diverse sectors crucial to Lesotho – textiles, agriculture inputs, machinery, consumer goods, negotiating favorable terms, ensuring quality control, and navigating cultural nuances to secure the best value for Basotho importers.
They also provide hands-on support through the entire sourcing process, from initial inquiry to shipment coordination, demystifying the complexities of dealing directly with China as well as offering insights into Chinese manufacturing trends, pricing benchmarks, and regulatory requirements specific to Basotho business needs.
As a trusted service provider and a champion of progress, the SLB’s involvement reflects a deep, long-standing commitment to powering local enterprise, fostering self-reliance and creating real, measurable impact in Lesotho’s economy.
While the bank’s role is multifaceted, they also offer cutting-edge China Trade expertise, their ability to empower trade is significantly bolstered by its unique position within the Standard Bank Group and its close working relationship with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of the world’s largest banks and a shareholder in Standard Bank Group.
This powerful alliance grants SLB unparalleled access to leveraging the Standard Bank China Desk and ICBC’s vast network for market intelligence, regulatory updates, and risk mitigation strategies; facilitate efficient and secure payment settlements between Basotho businesses and Chinese suppliers as well as delivering a full range of sophisticated trade finance products designed specifically for the China-Africa corridor.
The partnership between Standard Lesotho Bank and XPORT creates a seamless, supported pathway for Basotho businesses to engage profitably with China by passing multiple intermediaries and sourcing directly through XPORT’s expertise, businesses slash import costs significantly, improving margins and competitiveness.
The Symposium directly addressed this, providing practical tools. Reduced input costs and access to a wider range of goods and materials allow Basotho businesses to improve their product offerings, pricing, and overall market position both locally and for potential export; mitigated risk and built trust.
XPORT’s supplier vetting combined with SLB’s trade finance instruments like Letters of Credit and market intelligence drastically reduces the risks of fraud, poor quality, and payment default inherent in direct China trade, while the partnership structure provides SLB with greater visibility and confidence in transactions.
This makes it easier for Basotho businesses to access crucial import financing, pre-shipment finance, and other trade credit facilities based on verified orders and sourcing agreements facilitated by XPORT.
While XPORT provides guidance, SLB can also connect businesses with integrated logistics solutions and support navigating customs documentation, leveraging its group capabilities, making the physical movement of goods less daunting. Initiatives like the China Sourcing Symposium, a core part of this mission, directly build the skills and confidence of Basotho entrepreneurs, fostering that new generation of globally-minded leaders.
“Our role is to lead with purpose. To break down barriers and build bridges for Basotho entrepreneurs,” emphasized Kheleli. “With the right tools and support, there is no limit to what they can achieve. We turn possibility into opportunity for those businesses that power Lesotho’s economy.”
The partnership between SLB and XPORT transcends a simple service offering. It represents a strategic investment in Lesotho’s economic future.
With unwavering resolve, SLB proudly partnered with XPORT to remain more than a bank. To be a vital enabler of growth for Basotho businesses, a dedicated partner for progress and a proud champion of Lesotho’s economic transformation. The recent China Sourcing Symposium stands as a powerful testament to this commitment – not merely an event, but a launchpad.
By providing the end-to-end solution – expert sourcing guidance from XPORT combined with SLB’s financial power, deep China expertise via ICBC, and unwavering local support – this partnership is actively building the bridge. It empowers Basotho businesses to confidently step onto the global stage, source smarter, compete effectively and drive Lesotho forward towards a more prosperous and self-reliant future.
The conduit to China is open, and Basotho businesses are equipped to lead the charge.