11/09/2025
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NUL-WTO CHAIR HOSTS 4th ANNUAL RESEARCH SEMINAR ON INCLUSIVE TRADE
National University of Lesotho (NUL) in conjunction World Trade Organization (WTO) Chair recently hosted their 4th Annual Research Seminar, a key event focused on integrating Lesotho's informal sector into its formal trade systems.
Held at the NUL Roma Campus, the seminar brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, from informal traders and government officials to academics, students and business leaders to discuss how to make trade facilitation and customs modernization more inclusive.
The informal sector is a backbone of Lesotho’s economy, providing countless jobs and driving cross-border trade. However, as trade processes become more digital, there's a real risk that these vital traders could be left behind. Many lack the necessary knowledge about trade policies, face complex registration procedures, and struggle with inefficient customs clearance. The seminar was a timely opportunity to tackle these challenges head-on and ensure that new systems work for everyone.
The seminar's theme, "The Informal Sector, Trade Facilitation, and Customs Modernisation in Lesotho," focused on finding practical solutions.
Throughout the day, stakeholders engaged in lively panel discussions, sessions designed to generate actionable policy ideas. The discussions aimed to bridge the gap between formal regulations and the realities of informal businesses.
A key highlight was the wide range of expertise on the panels, with speakers from the public and private sectors, Revenue Service of Lesotho (RSL), Khathang Tema Baitsokoli and academia.
Representatives from organizations like the Lesotho Federation of Informal Traders Association and the Ministry of Trade showed a strong commitment to collaborative solutions.
The event is a vital step toward creating a more equitable and efficient trading environment in Lesotho, which will ultimately support economic growth and help reduce poverty.
