The National Assembly has urged the government of Lesotho to implement the Business Licensing and Registration Regulations 2020 with immediate effect and without any alterations.

This is according to the savingram to the Principal Secretary Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development from the Clerk to the National Assembly Advocate Lebohang Maema dated May 23, 2024, it states that pursuant to this resolution the former’s office is expected to implement the said resolution and report to the House within 30 days.

It states that in terms of the Standing Order no. 105, the House having allowed the Business Licensing and Registration Regulations 2020 expresses its disappointment on the non-implementation of the Regulations which intend to empower Basotho entrepreneurs.

On May 17, the House debated and adopted the motion on the implementation of the Business Licensing and Registration Regulations 2020.

Meanwhile in 2022, the government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of adhering to Basotho’s cry gave the foreigners notice from August 01, 2022 to August 01, 2023 to prepare for transition from such businesses reserved for Basotho. Thus business licenses expiring between the said period will not be renewed and new licenses will also not be issued.

Earlier this week the Basotho business owners had organized a march to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister in which they claimed that the government has not demonstrated interest in implementing the sub-laws which will see foreigners who own businesses in sectors reserved for Basotho being forced to leave those select industries.

The Regulations reserve about 47 business sectors for Basotho entrepreneurs only.

Among these sectors are international road freight transport logistics, motor dealerships, clearing agents, warehousing activities, retail sale of household fuel, bottled gas, coal, fast food activities, hairdressing and beauty treatment and repair.

Also reserved are the maintenance of motor vehicles and motorcycles, photocopying, document preparation and other specialized office support work, electrical, plumbing, as well as wholesale and retail sale of alcoholic beverages (whether consumed on the spot or not) wholesale and retail sale of meat and meat products, including poultry.

Efforts to speak to the Ministry of Trade on the resolution were futile.