…as 2026 Money Month campaign kicks off
Moroke Sekoboto
THE financial sector has called on the Mafeteng community to break the silence around financial matters, stressing that financial well-being begins with open conversations about money.
This message was delivered as the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) officially launched the 13th annual 2026 Money Month Lesotho Campaign (MMLC), with First Deputy Governor, Lehlomela Mohapi, leading the launch in Mafeteng on Thursday.
Held under the theme “Smart Money Talks”, this year’s campaign marks a renewed nationwide effort to close the financial literacy gap. The launch attracted strong participation from key stakeholders in the financial sector, including commercial banks, insurance providers, and microfinance institutions, all rallying under a common goal of community empowerment through financial education.
The 2026 campaign will reach communities across all districts, with activities targeting primary and secondary schools, churches, tertiary institutions, small businesses, women’s associations, public and private institutions, people with disabilities, rural communities, and the general population in Mafeteng.
The initiative aims to promote financial literacy and encourage informed financial decisions among Basotho.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Mohapi emphasised that financial well-being begins with open and honest dialogue. He said the theme “Smart Money Talks” encourages Basotho to move beyond the cultural hesitation to discuss money and instead embrace proactive planning and informed decision-making.
“Financial literacy is not just about understanding numbers; it is about the dignity of choice and the security of our families. Basotho continue to face challenges such as high household debt, barriers to accessing digital financial services, misinformation and fraud that undermine trust in financial institutions, unequal access to financial services, and coordination challenges among stakeholders,” Mr Mohapi said.
He further highlighted progress made by the CBL and the financial sector in addressing these challenges.
“Together with industry partners, we have strengthened consumer protection, expanded access to affordable financial products, enhanced digital finance frameworks, promoted personal debt management programmes, and improved coordination through initiatives such as the Financial Sector Development Strategy II and the Lesotho Payments Switch (LeSwitch).
“Financial education is not a one-off exercise but a continuous journey. With sustained engagement and support, we will continue making meaningful progress toward building a financially literate and inclusive Lesotho,” he said.
Mr Mohapi added that the campaign forms part of the CBL’s broader mandate to safeguard financial stability, promote inclusive economic growth, and empower citizens to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Speaking on behalf of the Bankers Association of Lesotho (BAL), Chairperson Nkau Matete said the campaign seeks to build trust in the financial sector and equip Basotho with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances responsibly.
“This annual campaign is dedicated to providing Basotho with practical financial knowledge for better decision-making and long-term financial security. The banking sector is focused on building financial confidence, developing everyday money-management skills, and promoting the safe and responsible use of digital financial services,” Mr Matete said.
Representing the credit bureau, Nthatisi Qheku underscored the importance of understanding credit reports and maintaining healthy credit profiles.
“Smart money conversations must include understanding one’s credit score and how it influences access to credit and interest rates. Consumers have the right to access their credit reports and should regularly review them to ensure accuracy and protect themselves against identity theft or errors that could hinder their financial progress,” Ms Qheku said.
Speaking on behalf of insurance brokers, John Ralebitso highlighted the importance of using licensed brokers when purchasing insurance products.
“We aim to educate the public on how to verify legitimate insurance providers and avoid unlicensed schemes that often target rural communities. We encourage Basotho to see insurance not merely as an expense, but as a strategic tool for building financial resilience against life’s uncertainties,” Mr Ralebitso said.