esotho and South Africa have committed to accelerating the implementation of Smart One-Stop Border Posts (OSBP) at the Maseru and Ficksburg ports of entry, as the two countries move to ease the flow of goods and people across their shared border.
The commitment was made at the mid-term review of the Second Session of the Lesotho and South Africa Bi-National Commission, which concluded in Pretoria on 9 September 2026.
The review was co-chaired by Thabang Lekhela, Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Relations in Lesotho, and Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo, Deputy Director-General of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Lekhela said the review allowed both countries to move "from dialogue to implementation."
The border posts are being developed under a Joint Action Plan signed by the two countries at a meeting of the Lesotho and South Africa Joint Steering Committee and Technical Working Group in Ladybrand. The plan was developed under the Southern African Mutual Trade Facilitation framework with support from the World Bank.
The wider initiative will initially focus on three ports of entry, namely Maseru Bridge between Lesotho and South Africa, Oshoek and Ngwenya between Eswatini and South Africa, and Lebombo and Ressano Garcia between Mozambique and South Africa.
Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said the plan would make a real difference at busy crossings. "This initiative will significantly improve the facilitation of both goods and people at critical ports of entry," he said.
Director of Customs at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Beyer Theron, described the agreement as "another important milestone in our journey to improve border management and facilitate trade."
Lesotho's Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Palesa Matobako, pointed to progress already made, including a successful immigration co-location pilot at Maseru Bridge, a Time Release Study and the second phase of Lesotho's National Single Window.
Commissioner of Client Services and Head of Customs at the Revenue Services Lesotho, Rakokoana Makoa, linked smoother borders to investment. "When there is smooth operation at the ports of entry, it creates a more attractive environment for investors," he said.
Traders have also raised concerns about smaller crossings. National Trade Facilitation Committee member Thabo Qhesi noted that non-commercialised posts such as Sani Pass and Tele Bridge raise costs for traders in Mokhotlong and Quthing.
A draft blueprint for the border posts is awaiting validation by both governments, and an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme is set to follow.
Looking ahead, the Smart One-Stop Border Posts are expected to reduce clearance times at Lesotho's main gateway to South Africa, strengthening trade links across the Southern African Customs Union.
