Maseru, Feb. 11- Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) on Tuesday launched an integrated electronic payment system aimed at enhancing convenience, efficiency and security in tax transactions.
RSL Acting Commissioner General, Mr. Obed ‘Nete, said the newly introduced system is designed to simplify tax payments and ensure they are secure and reliable for Basotho and the broader taxpaying community.
“This technology that we are launching today is about making life easier for Basotho and taxpayers in general, in a way that is simple, secure and reliable,” he said.
Mr. ‘Nete noted that the partnership with Standard Lesotho Bank builds on a journey that began in 2022, guided by a clear ambition to establish a modern payment system that delivers the transparency and reliability expected of a 21st-century revenue administration.
He said through the integration, RSL and Standard Lesotho Bank are transforming the taxpaying experience by placing convenience, efficiency and trust at the centre of service delivery.
The rollout includes three digital platforms — USSD, internet banking and the Standard Lesotho Bank mobile application — enabling individuals and businesses to pay Corporate Income Tax, Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duties electronically.
Mr. ‘Nete added that the integration is expected to reduce manual processes while improving accuracy and reliability.
“We have already recorded 103 customs duties transactions and 148 inland tax transactions, which helped us confirm the reliability and functionality of the solution,” he said.
Standard Lesotho Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samuel Seboka, said the bank has been operating in Lesotho for over 30 years and remains committed to supporting national development through digital financial solutions.
He said the full integration between the bank and RSL systems allows customers to make payments seamlessly via the bank’s digital platforms, improving convenience while maintaining high standards of security and efficiency.
Mr. Seboka added that the partnership demonstrates the bank’s continued commitment to expanding access to modern financial services and supporting Lesotho’s digital transformation.
Meanwhile, early users of the system have welcomed the development. Mr. Kabelo Sekonyela, an inland tax client, said the platform has improved payment accuracy, particularly through enhanced payment referencing that reduces transaction errors.
Mr. Thabo Ramphielo, a customs duties client, described the system as efficient and user-friendly, noting that it has reduced the time and effort previously associated with manual payment processes.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise revenue collection and strengthen service delivery through digital innovation.
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