Introduction

Inclusive Growth Facility (IGF), is a M400 million, Government funded initiative launched in late 2025 to address financing barriers for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This guide provides stakeholders with a clear framework to access information and navigate the facility efficiently.

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Target Audiences and Fund Allocation

The IGF is designed to promote inclusive economic growth with clear equity targets:

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• Youth and Women: 70% of the total fund (M280 million) is reserved exclusively for youth and women-led enterprises.

• Other Demographics: The remaining 30% (M120 million) is available to other population groups.

• Priority Sectors: Funding prioritizes Agriculture, Manufacturing (especially textiles), Tourism, Energy, and Technology/Innovation.

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Partner Banks

• Lesotho Postbank: Manages M300 million for MSMEs across multiple sectors.

• FNB Lesotho: Manages M100 million, dedicated to the textile sector (raw materials and production).

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Application and Access Procedures

Qualifying enterprises can access up to M2 million to support start-up, expansion, or export-oriented activities.

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Entry Points

• Direct Bank Access: Existing businesses that meet standard commercial requirements with ready business proposals can apply directly through participating banks, which are Lesotho Postbank and FNB Lesotho.

• Incubation Route: New start-ups or businesses requiring readiness support are encouraged to undergo incubation with partners such as CAFI, BEDCO, or LNDC, which help with the development of professional business proposals.

 

Processing Time

The Government through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning targets a loan approval turnaround of 7 working days once all requirements are submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning through the participating Commercial Banks.

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Key Contact Information

 

Ministry of Finance and Development Planning

• Name: Mrs Litemoso Thatho

• Tittle:Public Relations Office(PRO)

• Phone: +266 +266 22317978/53913591

• Email: : litemoso.motanyane@gov.ls

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Lesotho Postbank

• Name: Mr Thatelo Maliehe

• Tittle: Head of Business Banking

• Phone: +266 6240 0915 / +266 5919 0874

• Email: tmaliehe@lpb.co.ls

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Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project

• Name: Thabo Monyane

• Title: Access to Finance Specialist

• Phone: 57279614

• Email: tmonyane@cafi.org.ls

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FNB Lesotho for application forms and sector-specific

• Name: Lerato Mohale

• Tittle:  Marketing

• Phone: 58858540

• Email: lerato.mohale@fnb.co.za

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BEDCO

• · Name: Mrs Nthati Nyabela

• · Tittle: Specialist- Access to Finance

• · Phone: +266 58773007

• · Email: n.nyabela@bedco.org.ls

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LNDC

• Name: Mr Tsepo Mosoeunyane

• Title: Development Finance Officer

• Phone: +266 59018271

Email: mosoeunyane@lndc.org.ls

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Security and Transparency

• No Unofficial Fees: Applicants should be aware of third-party “agents” charging unauthorized fees. All applications are processed through official partner banks only.

• Eligibility Checks:

  • Businesses operating solely on tender-based contracts are ineligible.

  • Enterprises owned by the Government of Lesotho are ineligible.

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Core Communication Channels

To ensure that all Basotho, particularly those in underserved rural areas, are informed about the IGF, the facility leverages a multi-channel communication strategy:

• Government Portals: Official updates are published on the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning website and the Government of Lesotho portal.

• Social Media: Engagement facilitated via the official Facebook pages of the Ministry of Finance and the Banks

• Public Consultations: District-level Town Hall discussions will be conducted across all ten districts to engage communities directly and schedule will be published

• Local Radio & News: Press conferences and community radio broadcasts in Sesotho target “last-mile” entrepreneurs who may have limited internet access.

 

MSMEs Application Manual and Guidelines:

• Soon to be published.