Lesotho Launches POS Card Payment Functionality Under LeSwitch National Payment Switch

In a landmark move toward financial inclusion and digital transformation, the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL), in partnership with FNB Lesotho, Lesotho PostBank, Nedbank Lesotho, and Standard Lesotho Bank, has officially launched the Point of Sale (POS) card payment functionality under the National Payment Switch, known as LeSwitch. The announcement was made on Sunday, 11 May 2025, marking the third and most transformative phase of the LeSwitch implementation strategy.

This latest development enables cardholders in Lesotho to pay at any POS terminal across the country, regardless of the bank that issued their card. It eliminates the need for merchants to rely on bank-specific POS machines and streamlines the payment experience for both consumers and retailers.

LeSwitch was introduced to modernise Lesotho’s payment infrastructure and enhance interoperability between banks. Its first phase, rolled out in 2022, introduced instant mobile payments, while the second phase in 2024 brought ATM integration—allowing customers to withdraw cash from any ATM at reduced costs.

Now, with POS card payment functionality live, LeSwitch is driving Lesotho closer to a fully integrated and efficient national payment ecosystem. The system not only reduces the reliance on cash but also ensures that businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—can easily access affordable and secure payment technologies.

The newly launched POS functionality under LeSwitch brings several strategic advantages. Consumers and merchants benefit from competitive and uniform transaction fees across all banks. The switch offers end-to-end encryption and complies with global security standards. By simplifying card payments nationwide, more people—particularly in rural and underserved areas—are encouraged to participate in the formal financial system. The system is focused on domestic payments, with plans to introduce online payment capabilities in the near future.

The Central Bank of Lesotho reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a modern, secure, and inclusive financial system. It emphasized that the launch of POS functionality under LeSwitch represents a crucial step toward building a robust digital economy that serves all Basotho. As online payment support is expected to follow, LeSwitch is set to further revolutionize how financial services are accessed and utilized in Lesotho, reinforcing the country’s progress toward a cash-lite and digitally empowered society.