By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The business community in Mohale’s Hoek gathered this past week to participate in the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) Mphahlolle Awareness Campaign Symposium. The event, focused on educating local entrepreneurs about tax compliance, trade issues, tariffs, and the newly launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, has sparked widespread interest and mixed opinions among business owners in the region.
The symposium provided a platform for businesses to voice their concerns, learn about recent developments in tax policies, and explore the benefits of the AEO program. The initiative aims to foster a more conducive trading environment while enhancing compliance and transparency within Lesotho’s economy.
The acting Commissioner General RSL Mr. Rakokoana Makoa in his remarks stated Mphahlolle reflects their shared commitment to promoting the economic development of Lesotho by leveraging the numerous benefits embedded within the international agreements that Lesotho has signed and ratified.
“Tax treaties and trade agreements serve as cornerstones for fostering international cooperation and creating an enabling environment for businesses. By reducing trade barriers, ensuring fair taxation, and eliminating double taxation, these agreements make it easier for enterprises to expand across borders, attract foreign investment, and integrate into global value chains,” said Makoa.
Many business owners welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a step towards resolving long-standing challenges. Thabo Makoanyane, a wholesaler in Mohale’s Hoek, appreciated the campaign for addressing tax education gaps.
“For years, small businesses like mine have struggled to understand the tax filing process. This campaign simplifies the concepts and provides clarity, which will help us avoid penalties,” he says.
However, others raised concerns about the complexity of tariff structures and their impact on profitability. According to ’Mapalesa Ralibelo, a clothing retailer, inconsistent tariff application has discouraged growth in cross-border trade.
“We need more consistency and fairness in tariffs to stay competitive, especially against imported goods. The symposium was helpful, but we need follow-up actions to ensure our concerns are addressed.”
A highlight of the symposium was the introduction of the AEO program. Designed to simplify and expedite customs clearance for compliant businesses, the program offers reduced tariffs, faster border processing, and increased trade opportunities.
“The AEO program is a game-changer,” says business owner Teboho Ramokotjo, who operates a transport company. “If implemented well, it will save us time and costs, which are crucial in the logistics sector.”
Smaller business owners, however, expressed concerns about eligibility criteria for the program. Many felt it might favor larger, well-established enterprises.
“While the AEO program is great, it feels out of reach for businesses like mine,” says ‘Malineo Mosothoane, who runs a small bakery. “We hope RSL can tailor similar initiatives to support micro-businesses.”
Another key theme of the symposium was collaboration. RSL representatives emphasized the importance of partnerships between the tax authority and the private sector to drive economic development.
“Our goal is not just to collect taxes but to help businesses thrive. This campaign is part of our effort to create a fair and transparent tax environment,” said RSL spokesperson Mr. Thapelo ‘Moleli during the event.
Business owners urged RSL to maintain open communication channels and ensure that future campaigns provide practical solutions to pressing challenges.
The Mphahlolle Awareness Campaign has been well-received as a foundational step towards fostering tax compliance and improving the business climate in Mohale’s Hoek. The discussions sparked by the symposium reveal a shared optimism among local business owners for more inclusive and responsive policies.
As the AEO program takes shape and tax reforms continue, Mohale’s Hoek entrepreneurs are hopeful that their voices will lead to tangible changes. Many are already planning to implement the knowledge gained from the symposium to strengthen their operations.
In the words of one participant:
“If we work together with RSL and policymakers, Mohale’s Hoek can become a hub of compliant, thriving businesses.”
The next steps will depend on how RSL incorporates the feedback received during the symposium and the continued engagement of the business community in shaping a prosperous economic future.