3.6

E- Commerce

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) has tremendous growth opportunities for businesses
in Lesotho. Foremostly, it enables local businesses to have access to potential markets
throughout the world. E-commerce also reduces the barriers to entry for small and
medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) as it lowers overhead and marketing costs.

3.6.1 Policy Objectives and Strategies
The successful integration of e-commerce in Lesotho is also dependent upon the level of
trust and confidence businesses and consumers have in the digital environment. To build
this trust, Government is committed to clarifying marketplace rules and enacting
necessary cyber laws to support e-commerce.
Objectives
The objectives of e-commerce are to: •

Encourage new business development in the area of e-commerce.

•

Promote awareness among the private sector on the importance and benefits of ecommerce to sector growth.

•

Create a conducive climate that will facilitate the productivity and global
competitiveness of the private sector.

•

Develop a transparent, stable and effective legal and fiscal operating environment
to promote online commercial transactions.

•

Protect the interests of all participants in e-commerce.

Strategies
•

Develop laws and regulations to govern electronic commerce and trade at
national, regional and international levels.

•

Cultivate a culture of e-commerce in the country, which supports electronic
business transactions.
ICT Policy for Lesotho

40

Select target paragraph3