Lesotho launches Regulatory Forum
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – In a momentous move towards strengthening regulatory cooperation in the country, Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) has joined hands with nine of the country’s leading regulatory and enforcement institutions to officially launch the Lesotho Regulators Forum (LRF).
The announcement was made during a formal signing ceremony, symbolising a turning point in the coordination and cohesion of Lesotho’s regulatory landscape.
The landmark Multi-Institutional Cooperation Agreement, which was signed during the ceremony, marks the formal establishment of the LRF.
This forum brings together several crucial institutions under a unified regulatory platform. The founding members of the LRF include Revenue Services Lesotho, the Central Bank of Lesotho, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Land Administration Authority, the Lesotho Communications Authority, the Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, the Lesotho National Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development.
Through this collaboration, the newly formed Forum aims to promote greater coordination among regulatory institutions, strengthen cross-sectoral compliance mechanisms, and elevate the overall impact of regulatory oversight in the country.
By aligning their mandates, resources, and operations, these institutions seek to foster a more transparent, secure, and enabling environment for sustainable economic and social development in Lesotho.
The Lesotho Regulators Forum will serve as a dedicated platform for harmonising regulatory policies, enabling joint investigations, and conducting collaborative compliance monitoring.
It is designed to streamline the delivery of regulatory services across sectors, reduce duplication of effort, and address complex national challenges through a united, inter-agency approach.
Moreover, the Forum will support the provision of coordinated input into national policy-making processes and enable more inclusive and collective decision-making in regulatory enforcement.
During the event, on behalf of the Secretariat of the LRF, Pheello Mphana, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Public Relations praised the participating institutions for their unwavering commitment, collaborative spirit and visionary leadership.
It was acknowledged that this milestone would not have been achieved without years of sustained dialogue, planning, and a shared resolve to overcome regulatory fragmentation and inefficiencies.
“We are particularly proud to witness the unwavering support and leadership demonstrated by all participating institutions. Your dedication set a tone for a new era of cooperation one where regulators are not working in isolation but as partners united by common goal,” Mphana stated.
Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, RSL Commissioner General and co-chair of the LRF, ‘Mathabo Mokoko, hailed the agreement as a transformative development in Lesotho’s governance landscape. She emphasised that the agreement is more than a symbolic gesture, describing it as a catalyst for strategic cooperation and a commitment to integrity and excellence in public service.
“Today represents a major advancement in the way we as regulators and guardians of institutional integrity will work together, share ideas and make a meaningful difference in our various sectors.
This agreement goes beyond just signing a document, it serves as a driving force for lasting development, stronger coordination between institutions and united efforts to tackle challenges for the benefit of the Basotho people,” Mokoko explained.
The journey toward establishing the LRF began in 2020, when the idea of a unified regulatory mechanism was first introduced. Over the years, this vision has evolved through sustained consultations, technical dialogue, and inter-agency workshops.
The agreement that has now materialised reflects a collective recognition that soloed approaches to regulation are no longer sufficient in the face of growing national and global challenges.
To ensure the successful implementation and governance of the Forum, structured leadership and oversight mechanisms have been established. These include an Executive Committee tasked with strategic oversight and a Technical Working Group responsible for operational coordination, technical support, and ongoing monitoring of activities.
With its launch, the LRF stands as a model of forward-thinking governance and inter-institutional cooperation. Its creation signals a new era of joint responsibility, institutional collaboration, and citizen-centred regulation in Lesotho.
By prioritising national protection, improved service delivery, and inclusive economic growth, the Forum is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a regulatory environment that meets the needs of both the public and private sectors.
As Lesotho continues to chart a course towards sustainable development, the Lesotho Regulators Forum represents a beacon of hope, one built on the principles of transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient nation.
