It is important to know what to save for so that money can’t be misused. Money can be saved for various reasons, among them being saving for emergencies and saving to invest. The question is, which is more important than the other, or are they equally important? I started investing in 2021, and I barely had any emergency fund then, so I would usually suffer in several ways, which I will mention in this article. My biggest problem has always been the ambition to have investments rather than trying to live in the moment, and from that, I learned lessons that made me realize that emergency funds are more important than investing. There are many platforms where money can either be saved for emergencies or invested for gains, but this article will focus on Tsetela because it offers both. When I began my investing journey, what mattered to me the most was how much I had in my investment accounts, and I overlooked my daily financial needs to the extent that I would often sacrifice money meant for my essentials just to invest. I believed that investing would make me rich. This mentality got me into trouble because I would often end up taking small student loans, which resulted in me having to pay interest. It is one thing to have money readily available for emergencies and another to have to take out a loan to deal with emergencies because accessing money in investments could take a very long time. Usually, emergency funds are defined as money that is readily available for emergencies and can cover up to 3–6 months of expenses. This can be especially important when one loses a stable job because they would need another source of income, and an emergency fund can serve as that source until a more stable one is found. I will be honest, an emergency fund is not always easy to build, but it is possible. For example, I used to work in retail and felt like the job was too much for me, and that quitting would bring me peace. However, I realized that I would need an emergency fund that could cover my expenses for at least three months after quitting. I spent months trying to build it but eventually couldn’t until I started looking for other sources of income. Most of my money was drained by groceries, transport to and from work, and other expenses. In short, earning minimum wage makes it difficult to build an emergency fund unless other sources of income are explored. However, I was still able to invest money because every month I set a certain portion of my income aside for investing. An interesting pattern to follow after receiving an income, such as a salary, is to cover basic expenses, then build an emergency fund, ideally for 3–6 months of essential expenses, and then invest consistently for longer-term goals. Once an emergency fund is fully built, you can direct more of your monthly surplus towards investments. With Tsetela, this is possible because it allows for both emergency funds and investments. Imagine dedicating a certain amount of your income towards building an emergency fund, and it also happens to be an investment. An investment is putting money into an asset with the expectation of earning a return, so while keeping money in Tsetela as an emergency fund, it will also be earning returns. Additionally, money from Tsetela is accessible within 72 hours. Also, unlike mobile moneys Tsetela doesn’t tempt people to use their money anytime. However, I would personally discourage people from investing solely because of returns under any given type of investment because investing was never really meant to make anyone to be instantly rich, but rather to help people with surplus money maintain and grow it until they need it. Returns should also be viewed from a long-term vantage point rather than a short-term one. In conclusion, while investments play a very crucial role in our lives, it is more important to have an emergency fund first, ideally one that can cover 3–6 months of essential expenses. Some investments can be quite difficult to liquidate, hence the need for emergency funds that can provide access to money almost instantly. An example would be insurance claims, which usually take a long process, or having to sell shares, bonds, or other types of assets when an emergency arises. Luckily, there are platforms such as Tsetela that can provide both benefits.

Knowing the type of account you should open is very crucial because getting an account that doesn’t align with your needs might lead to terrible regrets. I remember signing up for a bank account which would later lead to financial mistakes that I regretted. Knowing the kind of bank account you need is just as important as knowing which bank you will be using. However, this article focuses on the key things you should look for when signing up for a new bank account. It does not, however, touch on the importance of choosing the right bank. Hopefully, I will publish an article on that soon. There are many things to look for when opening a bank account, but I will only speak about the most important ones, which are monthly account fees, ATM withdrawal fees, digital banking, transfer fees, cash deposit fees, branch and ATM availability, and customer service. These are very important things to look into, and information about them for any bank can be accessed on the internet. There are four major banks in our country: FNB Lesotho, Lesotho PostBank, Nedbank Lesotho and Standard Lesotho Bank, and each of them has its annual price guide available on the internet. A quick Google search using keywords such as “2026 price guide for (bank’s name)” can lead you to the relevant documents. For example, searching “2026 price guide for FNB Lesotho” will lead you to search results containing PDF files with FNB Lesotho’s recent price guides. Before opening a bank account, you can search through the price guides of all four banks and compare their charges. What do you need the account for? Knowing what you need the account for is the most important thing, and this will basically guide you towards choosing a good account. There are many different reasons why people need bank accounts, such as receiving a salary, receiving a monthly allowance, saving, sending and receiving money, making purchases online, and many more. Regardless of the reason you will need the account for, it is important to have a source of income because bank accounts are structured according to the amount of money one will be receiving per month. It is therefore important to give the person who will be helping you the correct amount or an estimated amount. The first mistake I made when opening my first account was telling the person who was helping me that I would be receiving M2,500 per month. That was false because I did not have an income. I only believed I would be making that much because I had just begun trading forex, and this led to me encountering fees that I could not manage because the account was meant for people who received M2,500 or more per month. Had I known this, I would have gotten an account that suited me. Almost all bank accounts charge monthly fees, regardless of whether they are being used or not, and the monthly fee for the account I had was M65, while a lower-tier account had a fee of around M20. So, in reality, I wasted a lot of money on fees. There is an account that banks offer which has close to zero fees, and that is the Bothebelele account. It is good in theory, but once you scrutinize it, you might realize that it has quite a few limitations. It is therefore important to also be aware of those limitations, even when an account sounds affordable. The important thing is to know how much you will be receiving each month. Banking Fees Each bank account has different fees. Some accounts have high fees while others have low fees, but high fees do not necessarily guarantee that an account is better. They may, however, come with certain perks. Whether an account is good for you depends on your needs. There are many types of banking fees, such as monthly account fees, ATM withdrawal fees, transfer fees and other service fees. The fees you should look out for are monthly fees, ATM withdrawal fees, cash deposit fees and transfer fees because these are some of the most common transactions. In a month, you are most likely to withdraw money, deposit money and send money to someone, so it is important to know how much you will be spending on these transactions. Accounts offered to employees can be different from accounts offered to students, so be aware of the differences. Digital Banking It is important to always have access to your bank account from your phone, either through the app or USSD. More importantly, it is better to have access to both because when you run out of data, you can easily use USSD. The app usually has more features than USSD, so it is more advisable to use it when you have access to data. The features offered by each bank are also important. I have been loyal to one bank, but at one point in my life, I wanted to have access to all the banks in Lesotho, so I opened a Standard Lesotho Bank account and got to experience its services. One feature I liked was the ability to move money from my bank account to either M-Pesa or EcoCash. That feature saved me from a lot of queues because I would literally see a long queue at an ATM and decide to transfer money to my M-Pesa account and then withdraw from an M-Pesa agent. Branch and ATM availability Be aware of the availability of places where you can withdraw or deposit money around you, and also whether the branch is easily accessible to you. I used FNB Lesotho throughout my life, and I had challenges using it when I was at school in Roma because they did not have a branch there while other banks did. Another challenge I had was depositing and withdrawing money from my account because they had only one ATM that allowed withdrawals, and it would usually run out of money. There were many instances when I would almost die of hunger because I could not withdraw money from my bank account because the ATM was out of service. So, be aware of the availability of branches and ATMs around you. Even though I had challenges with FNB Lesotho, I cannot deny that there were certain perks. Customer Service Customer service is another important thing to consider when opening a bank account. You might not think much about customer service when everything is working well, but you will appreciate having good customer service when something goes wrong with your account. There might be a time when your card gets lost, your account has a problem, a transaction does not go through, or money is deducted from your account and you do not know why. In such situations, you need to know that you can easily get help from your bank. It is therefore important to know how you can contact your bank when you have a problem. Find out whether they have a call centre, WhatsApp, email, social media or branches where you can speak to someone directly. It is also important to know how quickly they respond and whether they are actually able to resolve problems. Having an account with a bank that is difficult to reach when you need help can become frustrating, regardless of how good the account might otherwise be. You should also know what to do if your card is lost or stolen and whether you can immediately block it through the banking app or by contacting the bank. These are things you might not think about when opening an account, but knowing them beforehand can save you a lot of trouble when something eventually goes wrong.

When people talk about investing, the conversation often starts with one question: “How much can I make?” It makes sense because the possibility of growing your money is one of the main reasons people invest. But before thinking about potential returns, there is another question that deserves just as much attention: “What am I risking?” With investment options such as Tsetela making investing more accessible to Basotho, it is equally important to understand the risks that come with putting your money to work. Every investment comes with some level of risk. This does not necessarily mean you will lose your money, but it does mean that the outcome is not always guaranteed. Understanding these risks before you invest can help you make better financial decisions and choose investments that are appropriate for your goals, circumstances and timeframe. Investment risk simply refers to the possibility that you may not get the outcome you expected from your investment. You could earn less than you anticipated, your investment could lose some of its value, or you may not be able to access your money when you need it. The level and type of risk can vary depending on the investment, which is why it is important to understand where your money is going before you invest. Risk is therefore not something that should automatically scare you away from investing; rather, it is something you should understand and consider when deciding whether an investment is right for you. One of the most important things to understand about investing is the relationship between risk and potential return. Generally, investments that offer the possibility of higher returns also come with greater uncertainty, meaning there is a greater chance that the investment may not perform as expected. On the other hand, investments with lower levels of risk may offer more modest returns. This does not mean that taking more risk will always result in making more money. Rather, it means that before investing, you should consider whether the potential return is worth the level of risk you are taking and whether that risk fits your financial goals. One type of risk investors should understand is market risk. This is the possibility that the value or performance of an investment can be affected by changes in the economy, financial markets, interest rates or other events. For example, an investment may perform well for a period and then experience a decline when market conditions change. This is one reason why it is important not to assume that past performance guarantees future results. Your ability to take on investment risk also depends on your own financial situation, goals and timeframe. Someone investing money they will need in a few months may have a very different tolerance for risk from someone investing for a goal that is 10 or 20 years away. Before investing, consider how much money you can afford to invest, when you will need it and how comfortable you would be if the value or returns of your investment changed. Understanding your own risk tolerance can help you avoid taking on more risk than you can comfortably handle. Before putting your money into any investment, take the time to understand how it works. Ask yourself where your money will be invested, how the investment generates returns, what could cause those returns to change, what fees you may have to pay and how easily you can access your money. You should also understand who manages the investment and whether it is regulated by the relevant authorities. You do not need to be a financial expert before you invest, but you should know enough to understand what you are putting your money into. Tsetela is one example of an investment option available to Basotho, allowing individuals to start investing from M50 through M-Pesa. The money invested through Tsetela is placed in a Money Market fund managed by STANLIB Lesotho. While Money Market investments are generally considered lower risk than many investments that are more exposed to market fluctuations, they are not completely without risk, and returns can change. Understanding this is important because investing should never be based solely on the expectation of making money; you should also understand where your money is invested and the risks involved. Understanding investment risk does not mean that you should avoid investing altogether. Instead, it means making decisions with a clear understanding of what you are putting your money into and what could happen along the way. The goal is not to find an investment with no risk, because such an investment may not exist, but to find an investment whose level of risk makes sense for your goals, circumstances and timeframe. Before you invest, understand the risk, understand the investment and make an informed decision.

What if the reason you are not reaching your financial goals is not necessarily because you do not earn enough, but because you have not given your savings a clear purpose? There is something satisfying about watching the amount of money in your account increase month after month. You receive your salary, pay your bills, take care of your responsibilities, and whatever remains is put aside. M100 becomes M500, M500 becomes M1,000, and eventually you have built yourself a financial cushion that can be useful when an unexpected expense comes along. But saving money should be about more than simply watching a number grow. Whether you are saving for school fees, an emergency fund, a business, a major purchase, or simply greater financial security, saving is ultimately about giving your future self more options. This is one of the reasons products such as Tsetela can be worth considering. Rather than viewing saving as money that has simply been removed from your spending, you can begin thinking about it as money that has been deliberately set aside to help you achieve a financial goal. 1. It encourages you to make saving a habit One of the most important lessons about building wealth is that it rarely begins with a large amount of money. It usually begins with a habit. In The Richest Man in Babylon, one of my favourite financial books, George S. Clason tells the story of Arkad, a man who became wealthy after beginning with very little. One of the principles he teaches is that a person should keep at least a portion of what they earn rather than allowing their entire income to disappear through expenses. The principle is simple, but its implications are significant. Someone earning M2,500 per month who decides to save 10% of their income would be putting aside M250 every month. After one year, that person would have saved M3,000 before considering any return earned on the money. M3,000 is not enough to make someone wealthy, but that is not really the point. The more important achievement is that the person has developed the discipline of keeping part of what they earn. This is where a product such as Tsetela can fit into a person’s financial habits. Tsetela allows an individual to invest from as little as M50, meaning you do not necessarily need thousands of maloti before you can begin. Starting with M50 does not mean that M50 will suddenly transform your financial situation. Rather, it gives you an opportunity to begin developing the habit of putting money aside and investing it. As your income and circumstances change, the amount you put away can also change. What matters is that you have started. 2. It gives your savings a purpose There is a significant difference between saying, “I want to save money” and saying, “I am saving M300 every month because I want to build an emergency fund.” The first is an intention, while the second is a financial goal. When you give your savings a purpose, the sacrifice involved in saving becomes easier to understand because you know what you are working toward. You may be saving for your child’s education, preparing for an unexpected expense, building capital for a business, planning for a major purchase, or simply trying to reach a point where an unexpected financial problem does not immediately put you under pressure. The amount you save may be small at first, but it represents progress toward something that matters to you. This is also why I think it is useful to change the way we think about saving. We sometimes treat saving as if it is simply the opposite of spending, as though the only purpose of saving is to stop ourselves from using our money. But saving is actually about choosing what you want your money to accomplish. When you decide not to spend M100 today because you are trying to reach a particular financial goal, you are not necessarily depriving yourself; you are choosing a future benefit over an immediate one. Tsetela can form part of that process by giving eligible M-Pesa customers a way to invest money while they work toward their financial goals. 3. You can start with a small amount One of the reasons investing can feel inaccessible is that people often associate it with large amounts of money. When we hear about someone investing M10,000, M50,000 or M100,000, it is easy to conclude that investing is something you can only do once you have accumulated a significant amount of wealth. This creates a strange cycle: you believe you need to have money before you can invest, but you also want to invest because you are trying to grow your money. The reality is that not every investment requires a large starting amount. With Tsetela, an individual can start investing from M50. Again, the significance of this is not that M50 is a life-changing amount of money. It is not. The significance is that the barrier to beginning is relatively small. Someone who has never invested before can start with an amount that fits within their circumstances and gradually build from there. If you can comfortably put aside M50 this month, perhaps you can put aside M100 in another month, and perhaps more when your circumstances allow it. The objective should not be to impress yourself with the amount you invest once; it should be to develop a habit that you can maintain over time. At the same time, saving and investing should always be approached realistically. You should not invest money that you need for your immediate necessities simply because you want to earn a return. Your income, expenses, existing savings, financial obligations and investment goals should all influence how much money you are able to put aside. A small amount invested consistently is more meaningful than an ambitious amount that you cannot sustain. 4. Your money gets an opportunity to earn a return This is where the distinction between saving and investing becomes important. Saving generally focuses on putting money aside for future use while prioritizing safety and accessibility. Investing, on the other hand, involves putting money into an asset or investment with the expectation that it will generate a return or increase in value over time. Tsetela is an investment product in which the money is invested in the money market through STANLIB Lesotho. The return generated from the underlying investments can therefore contribute to the growth of the money you have invested. However, I do not think the return should be the sole reason someone chooses to invest. There is a tendency in financial conversations to focus almost entirely on how much money an investment can make, but this can cause people to overlook the more important question of what they are actually trying to achieve. If you are saving toward a financial goal, the goal should remain at the centre of the decision. The return is an opportunity for your money to grow while it is working toward that goal; it should not necessarily become the goal itself. This distinction is particularly important because investment returns are not always guaranteed. Tsetela is an investment product rather than a conventional bank savings account, and its terms and conditions state that the capital and return on the investment are not guaranteed. Anyone considering investing should therefore understand how the product works, what their money is invested in, how returns are generated, and what risks are involved. The fact that an investment offers the possibility of earning a return does not mean that the return is guaranteed, and responsible investing begins with understanding that difference. 5. It makes taking your first investment step less intimidating For someone who has never invested before, the investment world can seem unnecessarily complicated. There are shares, bonds, property, businesses, retirement funds, money-market investments and many other financial products. Then there is the terminology that comes with all of them. It is understandable why someone who has only ever kept money in a bank account might look at all of this and decide that investing is simply not for them. But investing does not necessarily have to begin with understanding every investment available in the market. It can begin with understanding one product and deciding whether it fits your particular financial circumstances and goals. Tsetela is accessed through M-Pesa, giving eligible customers the ability to invest through their mobile phones. This makes the process more accessible to people who may not have previously considered investing because they associated it with complicated procedures or large amounts of money. The accessibility of a financial product, however, should never be confused with the absence of risk. Convenience makes it easier to participate, but it does not remove the responsibility of understanding what you are investing in. Before investing, you should familiarize yourself with the terms of the product, including how investments and withdrawals work, how returns are determined, and the risks associated with the investment. Ultimately, financial security is rarely created by one spectacular financial decision. It is more often the result of ordinary decisions repeated consistently over a long period of time. M50 will not make you rich, and neither will M100. But the discipline of putting M50 or M100 aside regularly can become much more valuable than the individual amounts suggest. Saving creates the foundation, investing gives that money an opportunity to grow, and financial knowledge helps you decide where your money should go. Tsetela is one option for people who want to take that step from simply putting money aside to investing it, while keeping their broader financial goals at the centre of the decision. The real objective is not simply to have more money today; it is to make better decisions with the money you have so that your future self has more options tomorrow.

When people hear the word “market,” they usually think of a place where fruits, vegetables, clothes, or other goods are bought and sold. Rarely does anyone imagine a market where money itself is being traded. Yet, whether you know it or not, the money market plays a role in your everyday life. It influences where banks keep their excess cash, how governments raise short-term funds, and even how some investment products grow your money. If you’ve heard that Tsetela invests your money in the money market but have no idea what that actually means, you’re not alone. The good news is that the concept is much simpler than it sounds, and by the end of this article, you’ll understand what the money market is, who uses it, and why it matters to anyone looking to grow their savings. Simply put, the money market is a financial market where money is borrowed and lent for short periods, usually for less than a year. Governments, banks, businesses, and even investment funds use it to either borrow money when they need it or invest money they do not need immediately. The goal is simple: those with surplus cash earn a return on it, while those who need cash for a short period can access it without taking on long-term debt. Tsetela, a product of VCL Financial Services, does not directly invest your money in the money market. Instead, through VCL FS’ partnership with STANLIB Lesotho, your money is invested in the money market on your behalf. STANLIB Lesotho is an investment management company that manages and invests money on behalf of individuals, businesses, and institutions. In this case, VCL FS provides Basotho with access to Tsetela, while STANLIB Lesotho manages the investments by investing the funds in the money market. This partnership helps people like you and me invest from as little as M50. Usually, investing through STANLIB Lesotho begins with M5,000, so in this case, M50 is really a great opportunity. Now that we understand what the money market is, the next question is: what exactly is being invested in this market? The money market consists of different short-term financial instruments that allow governments, banks, and businesses to borrow and invest money. These include instruments such as Treasury bills, which are short-term loans given to governments; certificates of deposit, where banks raise funds by offering returns to investors who keep their money with them for a specific period; and commercial paper, which allows large companies to borrow money for short periods. There are also bank deposits and other short-term investments that provide a way for institutions and investors to earn returns while keeping their money relatively accessible. Although these terms may sound complicated, the idea behind them is simple: money is provided to trusted institutions that need it, and in return, investors earn a return on their money. One of the reasons the money market is considered a lower-risk investment option is because it focuses on short-term lending to reliable institutions such as governments, banks, and established businesses. Unlike investing in shares, where the value of your investment can change significantly depending on the performance of a company and the stock market, money market investments are usually more stable because they involve shorter lending periods and generally experience less price fluctuation compared to longer-term investments. For example, when investors buy Treasury bills, they are essentially lending money to the government for a short period, with the expectation that they will receive their money back with a return. However, it is important to understand that lower risk does not mean no risk, as all investments carry some level of risk. The advantage of the money market is that it prioritizes protecting investors’ capital while still allowing their money to earn returns. Investors make money in the money market by earning returns from the interest generated by the short-term investments their money is placed into. When investors provide funds to governments, banks, or businesses through money market instruments, they receive a return as compensation for allowing these institutions to use their money for a certain period. The amount of return earned depends on factors such as market conditions, interest rates, and the performance of the underlying investments. Although the returns may not always be as high as riskier investments such as shares, the money market focuses on providing a balance between earning returns and protecting investors’ money. This balance is one of the reasons why money market funds are often considered by people who want their money to grow while still keeping it relatively accessible. The money market may sound like a complicated financial concept, but at its core, it is simply a system that allows those with extra money to invest it while helping those who need funds access them for short periods. From governments and businesses to ordinary individuals, many economic entities participate in this market every day. Through Tsetela, investing in the money market has become more accessible to Basotho because people no longer need large amounts of money or extensive financial knowledge to start investing. By investing from as little as M50, individuals can take the first step towards growing their savings while benefiting from the expertise of STANLIB Lesotho. Understanding where your money goes and how it works is an important part of becoming financially aware, and the money market is one of the many tools that can help people build a stronger financial future.

Have you ever wanted to invest your money but then found it hard to do so because of the traditional processes that take place when becoming an account holder with financial institutions? Processes such as acquiring documents such as proof of residence from the chief, proof of income, or any other required document. What if I told you that there is a new reliable way of investing without going through many processes? Also, for the longest time, access to investing was available mainly to people with lots of cash, but what if I told you that there is a new way of investing that is accessible to everyone as long as they are above the age of 18? By investing, we mean putting your money into something with the expectation that it will grow or generate returns over time. This new way of investing happens via an investment product called Tsetela. In this blog article, we will be discussing more on it. Tsetela is an investment product which was launched on the 22nd of July 2026 by Vodacom Lesotho Financial Services in partnership with STANLIB Lesotho. VCL Financial Services’ most well-known product is M-Pesa, so Tsetela falls under M-Pesa and can be accessed through it. Tsetela is available to anyone who is above the age of 18, has a VCL SIM card, and is registered with M-Pesa. Unlike traditional financial institutions that demand certain documents for you to become an account holder, Tsetela does not need any of them, as M-Pesa already has the KYC documents of every account holder. Investing with Tsetela happens through USSD. It only takes a few minutes and can be done anywhere, especially from the comfort of your home. Tsetela is made possible through STANLIB Lesotho, which invests investors’ money in the Money Market. After depositing your money into Tsetela, it goes to STANLIB Lesotho, and STANLIB Lesotho identifies suitable investment opportunities for the funds invested in the Money Market. So, what is the Money Market? The Money Market is a part of the financial market where money is invested in short-term financial instruments, which are usually investments that mature within a period of less than one year. These investments are generally considered to have lower risks compared to other types of investments, although they are not completely risk-free. The purpose of the Money Market is to allow individuals and institutions to invest their money while maintaining stability and earning potential returns. Some examples of investments found in the Money Market include government securities, treasury bills, and other short-term financial instruments. In simple terms, the Money Market provides a way for your money to work for you instead of remaining unused. When you invest through Tsetela, your money is invested by STANLIB Lesotho in the Money Market, where it is managed with the aim of generating returns for investors. Tsetela can be accessed by both individuals and groups. Individuals can start investing with as little as M50, while groups can start with a minimum investment of M300. This makes Tsetela accessible to people who want to start building a savings habit, whether it is for emergency funds, school fees, or long-term financial goals. There are no deposit fees or withdrawal fees, although withdrawals have a 72-hour waiting period subject to the applicable terms and conditions. Tsetela is accessible through USSD, and account holders can check their investment balance at any time from their mobile phones. The interest rate on the investment is not fixed, as it changes depending on current market conditions and other economic factors. However, investors can view the historical performance of the fund through STANLIB Lesotho's fund information platforms. With mobile phone access being widespread in Lesotho, Tsetela provides an opportunity for more Basotho to participate in investing. Tsetela operates within Lesotho’s financial regulatory framework, overseen by the Central Bank of Lesotho, which helps ensure that the product meets the required financial standards. Getting started with Tsetela is simple and can be done directly through M-Pesa. To begin investing, customers can dial *200#, select the Savings Account option, choose the Tsetela Account, and follow the instructions provided. Once registered, investors can access their investment, monitor their balance, and manage their account directly from their mobile phones. By making investing available through mobile technology, Tsetela helps remove some of the traditional barriers that have made investing difficult for many Basotho. For many Basotho, investing has often seemed complicated and only accessible to people with significant amounts of money. However, products like Tsetela are changing this by making investment opportunities simpler, more accessible, and available through technology. Whether you are looking to build an emergency fund, save for future goals, or begin your investment journey, Tsetela provides an opportunity to start with an amount that works for you. As more people become financially aware, taking small steps towards investing can help build a stronger financial future. Photo Credit: Vodacom Lesotho

Imagine someone tells you they have been "investing" for the past ten years. You might assume they own shares, bonds, a retirement fund, or another investment asset, only to discover they are referring to the money in their savings account. While there is nothing wrong with keeping money in a bank, saving and investing are not the same thing, and confusing the two can quietly limit one's ability to build long-term wealth. Banks play an essential role in the financial system by safeguarding deposits, facilitating payments, providing loans, and ensuring that customers have access to their money whenever they need it. Because their primary purpose is to offer safety and liquidity rather than maximize returns, the interest paid on many deposit accounts is generally modest. Understanding this distinction is key to making better financial decisions. In this article, we will explore the difference between saving and investing, the role banks play in personal finance, and where each objective can be pursued most effectively. One of my favorite financial books is The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason, which explores how Babylon became one of the wealthiest ancient cities through the lessons shared by a wealthy man who came from humble beginnings. The man's name is Arkad, and the lessons he provides are still relevant today, even though they originate from roughly 4,000 to 6,000 years ago. What stood out to me most from Arkad's insights was his belief that an individual must first find a means of earning income, such as through employment, and then save at least 10% of what they earn. These savings, when consistently set aside and allowed to grow, can eventually compound into significant wealth. For example, someone who earns around M2,500 per month and saves 10%, which amounts to M250, would have accumulated M3,000 after one year. This principle played an important role in Arkad's own journey to wealth. He began his career as a scribe who wrote inscriptions on clay tablets in Babylon and saved a portion of the small income he earned. His philosophy was that "wealth was not built by how much one earned, but by how much one kept and allowed to grow." However, saving alone was not the final step; he also understood the importance of investing money wisely. Another important lesson from Arkad is that people should invest only when they have enough savings to do so, and they should invest in areas they understand or seek guidance from someone with knowledge and experience in that field. The principle is simple: invest in a fishing business if you understand the fishing business, or invest with someone who has proven knowledge of that industry. Do not invest with a jeweler who claims to understand fishing simply because they promise high returns, as this can lead to financial losses. Although this example is based on an ancient setting, the principle remains relevant today. Modern investment opportunities include property, minerals, businesses, and financial assets such as shares and bonds. Arkad's wisdom can be summarized by the familiar saying, "you can't have your cake and eat it too." Building wealth requires sacrifice, discipline, and patience. In financial terms, it means delaying immediate gratification in order to create a more secure and prosperous future. Saving and investing are different. Saving is the process of setting aside money for future use while prioritizing safety and accessibility. People usually save through financial institutions such as banks and Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), using products such as flexible savings accounts or fixed savings accounts. Investing, on the other hand, involves putting money into assets or ventures with the expectation that it will generate income or increase in value over time. Unlike savings, investments usually involve a higher level of risk because returns are not always guaranteed. People can invest through financial markets, businesses, property, government securities, or other assets, either directly or through investment platforms and professionals who manage funds on their behalf. Banks form one of the most important parts of modern personal finance because they provide individuals with a secure place to store their money while giving them access to essential financial services. For many people, the first interaction they have with the financial system is through a bank account where they receive their salaries, make payments, and manage their daily expenses. Through mobile banking applications and digital platforms, customers can transfer money, pay bills, monitor their balances, and access financial services without needing to visit a physical branch. Banks also provide savings accounts that allow individuals to preserve their money while earning a small return through interest. However, it is important to understand that when someone saves money with a bank, they become a customer of the institution rather than an owner of it. The money deposited is used by the bank as part of its broader financial operations, including lending activities, while the depositor receives interest according to the terms of their account. Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs), however, operate under a different model. Unlike traditional banks, SACCO members are not merely customers; they are also shareholders and owners of the cooperative. This means that members can participate in the success of the institution and may receive returns through dividends or other member benefits, depending on the SACCO's performance. While banks generally focus on providing financial services to customers and generating profits for shareholders, SACCOs are designed around member ownership and collective benefit. This difference in structure means that savings held in a SACCO can potentially provide members with returns that differ from those offered by ordinary bank savings accounts. While banks and SACCOs provide important avenues for saving money, building long-term wealth usually requires moving beyond simply storing money and putting it into productive assets. Saving protects wealth by preserving capital and ensuring financial security, while investing allows wealth to grow by placing money into assets that can generate income or increase in value over time. This raises an important question: where should one invest? The answer depends on an individual's financial goals, risk tolerance, knowledge, time horizon, and available resources. There is no single investment that is suitable for everyone. Different assets carry different levels of risk, potential returns, and periods required before they generate meaningful growth. The most important principle is not simply finding an investment that promises high returns, but understanding what you are investing in, how it works, and why it fits your financial objectives. One of the most common forms of investment is ownership in businesses through shares. When someone buys shares in a company, they are purchasing a small ownership stake in that business. Unlike a savings account where an individual deposits money with a financial institution and earns interest, a shareholder becomes a partial owner of the company and can benefit from its success. This benefit may come through dividends, which are portions of the company's profits distributed to shareholders, or through an increase in the value of the shares over time. For example, if an investor buys shares in a profitable company that continues to grow, the investor may receive regular dividend payments while also benefiting if the market value of those shares increases. Another common investment opportunity is property. Real estate can generate wealth through rental income and appreciation, which occurs when the value of a property increases over time. Many people are attracted to property because it is a tangible asset that can be seen and used. However, property investment also requires significant capital, ongoing maintenance, and an understanding of the property market. Owning a building does not automatically guarantee wealth; investors must consider factors such as location, demand, costs, and the ability to manage the property effectively.\ Investors can also lend money to governments or institutions through financial instruments such as bonds. In this case, an investor provides capital for a specific period and receives interest payments in return. Bonds are often considered less risky than many forms of business investment because they are usually issued by established institutions, although their returns may also be lower compared to higher-risk investments. They are commonly used by investors who want more predictable returns while preserving their capital. Beyond financial markets, individuals can invest directly into businesses. Starting or supporting a business allows investors to create wealth by providing goods and services that meet the needs of customers. Small businesses, when properly managed, can become valuable assets that generate income and employment opportunities. However, business investment requires knowledge, effort, and careful planning. Many businesses fail not because the idea was poor, but because of challenges such as inadequate financial management, lack of market research, or poor decision-making. Retirement funds represent another important form of long-term investment. Instead of simply keeping money available for immediate use, individuals contribute regularly to a fund that invests on their behalf. Over many years, these contributions can grow through compound returns and provide financial security after retirement. Retirement investing demonstrates the importance of patience because wealth accumulation often happens gradually over decades rather than overnight. Regardless of the investment chosen, the principle remains the same: never invest in something you do not understand. The promise of quick and guaranteed wealth is often a warning sign rather than an opportunity. Wealth creation is usually a slow process built through knowledge, discipline, patience, and consistent financial decisions. Building wealth is not the result of a single financial decision, but rather the outcome of consistent habits, informed choices, and patience over time. Saving and investing both play important roles in personal finance, but they serve different purposes. Saving provides security, accessibility, and protection against unexpected financial challenges, while investing allows individuals to grow their wealth by placing money into productive assets. As Arkad's lessons from The Richest Man in Babylon demonstrate, wealth is not created merely by how much a person earns, but by how effectively they manage, preserve, and grow what they have. However, building wealth requires more than chasing high returns; it requires knowledge, discipline, and an understanding of where one's money is being placed. Whether through banks, SACCOs, shares, property, businesses, bonds, or retirement funds, each financial tool has a purpose, and the key is knowing how and when to use it. Ultimately, financial security is built through small decisions repeated consistently over time: saving creates the foundation, investing builds upon that foundation, and financial knowledge guides the journey toward a more secure financial future. Source: Lesotho Government

Every few years, a new investment opportunity promises ordinary people extraordinary returns. Today, that opportunity is SGK. Thousands of Basotho have already invested, while others remain skeptical. The question is not whether people are making money today. The real question is whether they understand the risks they are taking. The SGK investment scheme has become one of the most talked-about financial opportunities in Lesotho. Depending on who you ask, it is either a life-changing opportunity or a financial disaster waiting to happen. Like many investment schemes that promise attractive returns, it has attracted thousands of Basotho hoping to grow their money. But before deciding whether SGK is worth the risk, it is important to first understand what it is, how it works, and why so many people are joining it. According to one SGK member I spoke to, SGK is an American company that was introduced to South Africa around April 2025 before expanding to other African countries, including Lesotho, where it reportedly started operating around December 2025. The member explained that the company works by partnering with businesses that want their products advertised. These businesses pay SGK to promote their products, and SGK, in turn, pays its members to watch those advertisements. To join, a person chooses a membership package. The entry-level package costs M600 and allows members to watch five videos per day, with each video paying M4. This means a member earns M20 per day or approximately M600 per month, allowing them to recover their initial investment in about a month while the contract itself runs for one year. According to the explanation I received, every membership level follows the same pattern: the higher the joining fee, the higher the monthly earnings. For example, a M1,800 package is said to generate around M1,800 per month, while packages such as M6,300 and M25,000 are marketed as paying approximately the same amount each month as the initial amount invested. Members also have the option of upgrading to a higher package at any time. Besides earning money by watching advertisements, members can also earn referral commissions by introducing other people to the platform, with the commission increasing depending on the membership level of both the referrer and the new member. I have not independently verified these claims, and this explanation is based solely on information provided by an SGK member. The excitement around SGK, however, also attracted the attention of financial regulators. The Central Bank of Lesotho issued a statement informing the public that SGK Investment Scheme is not a legally registered financial institution under its supervision. Interestingly, the statement did not receive the response one would expect from a warning meant to protect investors. Instead, some people pushed back against the Central Bank, defending SGK and questioning why a government institution would discourage what they viewed as an opportunity to make money. This reaction reveals something important about human behavior when it comes to money: the desire for financial breakthroughs can sometimes become stronger than the desire for financial security. When people believe they have found an opportunity that could change their lives, warnings about risk can easily be interpreted as obstacles rather than protection. However, financial regulation exists not to prevent people from making money, but to ensure that institutions handling people's money operate with accountability, transparency, and oversight. The situation surrounding investment schemes is not something new. Throughout history, people have always been attracted to opportunities that promise extraordinary wealth in a short period of time. One of the most famous examples is the South Sea Bubble of 1720, where the South Sea Company convinced thousands of people, from ordinary citizens to wealthy investors, that they had discovered an opportunity that could transform their financial future. The excitement became so powerful that people stopped looking at the fundamentals and started investing because everyone else was doing it. Interestingly, even one of the greatest minds in history, Isaac Newton, was not immune to this excitement. After initially making profits from the South Sea Company, Newton invested again as the company's stock price continued to rise, only to lose a significant amount of money when the bubble eventually collapsed. It is often attributed to Newton that he said, "I can calculate the motions of the heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people." This serves as a reminder that intelligence alone does not protect people from financial mistakes. Sometimes, the desire to become wealthy can overpower even the most logical mind. The problem is not that people want to make money; that is a natural human desire. The problem comes when the possibility of making money becomes so attractive that people stop asking whether the opportunity itself makes sense. More over, history has continued to repeat itself even in recent years. In 2015, MMM Global spread across several countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and other parts of Africa, promising participants returns of up to 30% per month. Like many high-return schemes, thousands of people joined after seeing friends and relatives making money, believing they had found a shortcut to financial freedom. For many, the early returns were enough to convince others to invest even more. However, when the scheme eventually stopped operating as expected, countless participants lost their savings. This is not to suggest that every investment scheme follows the same path, but it reminds us that history is filled with opportunities that looked convincing while they were working. The challenge for every investor is not simply asking whether people are making money today, but whether the model behind those returns can continue tomorrow. However, to understand why people join investment schemes like SGK, we have to look beyond the assumption that people are simply being irrational. Most people are not investing because they want to lose their money; they are investing because they are searching for a way to improve their financial situation. Traditional investment options, although safer, often grow money slowly, and for someone struggling with the rising cost of living, waiting decades to see meaningful returns can feel unrealistic. Inflation continues to reduce the value of money, while many people desire financial freedom sooner rather than later. When someone sees a friend or a relative making money from an opportunity, it becomes even harder to ignore because people naturally do not want to miss out on something that could potentially change their lives. The attraction towards these schemes is therefore not only about greed; it is also about hope, desperation, and the human desire for a better future. My view is that people should not automatically dismiss every high-risk investment opportunity as useless. Throughout history, some people have built fortunes by taking risks that others were afraid to take. However, the difference between a calculated risk and a reckless decision is understanding what you are willing to lose. If someone decides to participate in a scheme like this, it should be with money they can afford to lose without destroying their lives. Money meant for rent, food, school fees, or emergency situations should not be placed into an opportunity where there is a possibility of losing everything. The problem is not taking risks; every successful person has taken risks at some point. The problem is risking money that you cannot afford to lose because of the hope that a quick opportunity will solve all your financial problems. When it comes to investing, the first question people should ask is not "how much money will I make?" but rather "who is responsible for protecting my money?" This is where regulated financial institutions become important. Institutions that operate under the supervision of financial regulators are required to follow certain rules that promote accountability, transparency, and responsible management of people's money. In Lesotho, people have access to different regulated investment options depending on their financial goals and risk tolerance. These include commercial banks, licensed asset managers, pension funds, government securities, and other licensed investment schemes. Although these options may not promise the kind of returns that attract people to high-risk schemes, their purpose is different. They are designed to provide a more structured and predictable way of growing wealth over time. For readers who prefer regulated financial institutions, Lesotho has several institutions that operate within the formal financial system. I have previously written about some of these institutions, including: Central Bank of Lesotho Phuthalichaba Credit and Savings Cooperative Society STANLIB Lesotho Letshego Lesotho Boliba Credit and Savings N.B: I am only mentioning these ones because I have written about them. At the end of the day, the conversation around SGK is not only about whether people will make money or lose money, but whether they truly understand the risks attached to their decisions. Throughout history, from the South Sea Bubble to modern investment schemes, people have always been attracted to opportunities that promise financial freedom because the desire for a better life is a natural human instinct. However, financial decisions should not be based solely on excitement, fear of missing out, or seeing others succeed. Every investment carries risk, and the responsibility of every investor is to understand what they are risking before committing their money. There is nothing wrong with taking risks, because many successful people built their wealth by taking calculated risks, but the difference between a smart risk and a reckless one is awareness. The goal should not be to discourage people from seeking opportunities, but to encourage them to make informed decisions and always ask themselves whether they can survive the consequences if the opportunity fails. If, after reading this article, you are still interested in learning more about SGK, the member I interviewed asked me to share his contact details with anyone who may have questions or wish to hear more about the platform. Sharing these details should not be interpreted as an endorsement of SGK or a recommendation to invest. As always, do your own research and understand the risks before making any financial decision. Contact: +266 5973 8751 Credit: Facebook

Letshego Lesotho, formally known as Letshego Financial Services Lesotho (LFSL), began operations in 2012 and has operated as a licensed Credit-Only Microfinance Institution. However, according to its website, "In August 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first and only licensed Tier 1 Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution authorised by the Central Bank of Lesotho." This license allows clients to save, deposit, and invest with Letshego. Although the license was granted in 2025, these savings and investment products were only launched in June 2026, making them a relatively new offering. Letshego currently provides three savings and investment products designed to meet different financial needs: LetsGo SaveSmart, LetsGo Flex, and LetsGo Fixed. It is worth noting that saving money is one of the most important financial habits anyone can develop. Whether you are building an emergency fund, saving for a future goal, or looking to grow your wealth through investments, choosing the right savings product can make a significant difference. So, from offering credit to individuals and entities, Letshego now also offers savings and investment products, and this article will help you understand each of its new offerings. LetsGo SaveSmart: For Everyday Savers The LetsGo SaveSmart account is ideal for individuals who want flexibility and easy access to their money. With a minimum deposit of just M50 for individuals, this account allows you to save at your own pace without being tied to a fixed investment term. One of the biggest advantages of this account is that deposits can be made at any time, and funds can be withdrawn whenever needed. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly, allowing your savings to grow while remaining accessible. This account is particularly suitable for emergency funds, short-term goals, and individuals who are beginning their savings journey. LetsGo Flex: Growth with Flexibility For savers who want higher returns while still maintaining some access to their funds, LetsGo Flex offers a balanced solution. This flexible fixed-deposit account requires a minimum deposit of M1,000 and allows customers to invest for periods ranging from three months to ten years. Interest rates are predetermined based on the amount invested and the chosen investment term. Unlike a traditional fixed deposit, LetsGo Flex allows partial withdrawals of up to 20% of the invested amount. This feature provides greater flexibility while still encouraging long-term saving. LetsGo Flex is ideal for individuals saving for medium-term goals such as purchasing a vehicle, paying university fees, or accumulating capital for a business venture. LetsGo Fixed: Maximum Returns for Long-Term Goals Investors seeking the highest possible returns with minimal risk may find LetsGo Fixed to be the most attractive option. This account requires a minimum investment of M1,000 for individuals and offers predetermined interest rates based on the investment amount and tenure. Interest is calculated daily and paid annually. The key feature of LetsGo Fixed is its disciplined structure. Additional deposits are not allowed, and withdrawals are restricted until the investment term matures. This helps investors avoid the temptation of spending their savings prematurely. At maturity, investors receive their original capital together with the accumulated interest as a lump-sum payment. This makes the account particularly useful for long-term objectives such as retirement planning, funding higher education, or saving for major purchases. Choosing the Right Account The best savings product depends on your financial goals and your need for flexibility. Choose LetsGo SaveSmart if you need easy access to your money. Choose LetsGo Flex if you want better returns while maintaining some flexibility. Choose LetsGo Fixed if your priority is maximizing returns and you can leave your money untouched for the entire investment period. By aligning your savings strategy with your financial objectives, you can make your money work harder and move closer to achieving your long-term goals. Credit: Letshego Lesotho

Many Basotho know the name STANLIB Lesotho but are not familiar with the investment products it offers. If you have savings from M5,000 or more, here are the main investment options available: 1. STANLIB Lesotho Income Fund A low-risk investment fund designed to provide steady income while protecting your capital. Suitable for: Conservative investors Individuals seeking regular income People who want lower-risk investments Minimum investment: M5,000 2. STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund A short-term investment fund that offers higher returns than a traditional savings account while keeping your money easily accessible. Suitable for: Emergency funds Short-term savings goals Investors looking for low-risk returns Minimum investment: M10,000 3. STANLIB Lesotho Equity Fund A growth-focused fund that invests mainly in company shares to generate long-term returns. Suitable for: Long-term investors Individuals willing to accept higher risk for potentially higher returns Investors with a 5-year or longer investment horizon Minimum investment: M5,000 4. Lesotho Unit Trust Fund A balanced fund that invests in a mix of shares, bonds, property, and cash to provide growth while reducing risk through diversification. Suitable for: Investors seeking balanced growth Retirement planning Medium- to long-term wealth building Minimum investment: M5,000 Why Consider STANLIB Lesotho? Minimum investment from M5,000 Additional investments from M1,000 Professionally managed funds Regulated by the Central Bank of Lesotho Access to local and international investment opportunities Flexible withdrawals, subject to minimum balance requirements Higher interest rates than that of banks or other financial institutions One Major Advantage of STANLIB Lesotho One of the main reasons investors choose STANLIB Lesotho is the potential for higher returns than those typically offered by traditional bank savings and fixed-deposit accounts. While many banks often offer returns in the region of 3%–5% per annum on savings and fixed deposits, STANLIB's investment products have historically offered significantly higher returns, depending on the fund selected and market conditions. Their range is 9%-25%. This makes STANLIB an attractive option for individuals who want their money to grow faster than it would in a standard savings account. However, returns are not guaranteed and may vary over time, so it is always advisable to consult STANLIB directly for the latest performance information. If you have M5,000 or more sitting idle, visit STANLIB Lesotho or Standard Lesotho Bank and find out which investment product best suits your financial goals. Photo credit: Behance

In 2022, the Central Bank of Lesotho instructed banks to offer a type of bank account with zero fees as a way of promoting the inclusion of all income earners in the financial system. This account is called the Bothebelele Account. Many people in Lesotho avoid opening bank accounts because they believe the fees are too high, so this account was designed for individuals earning less than M3,000 per month to help them avoid those costs. It is offered by local commercial banks, including FNB Lesotho, Standard Lesotho Bank, Nedbank Lesotho, and Lesotho Post Bank. I can’t say much about the account since I haven’t personally used it; however, I’d like to share some insights based on what I’ve heard from account holders and from pricing guides. Firstly, this initiative is quite brilliant because it aims to attract people who had never considered opening a bank account. For example, I used to help my adult neighbors send money to their recipients using my bank account, so maybe this account could help them. But like any other product, though, it has its own drawbacks as well as certain advantages. The most obvious perk of this account is its low fees, but from a certain point of view, this can be debated. It has no maintenance fees, the monthly charges usually paid by all account holders. It also supposedly has no deposit fees and allows one free ATM withdrawal per month. While these may seem like advantages, I find them debatable because the account is very limiting, making it questionable whether those perks are truly worth it. The account strictly allows a maximum income of M3,000 per month, which means account holders cannot keep more of their money in it and must look for alternative places to store it. Another drawback is that the account does not allow online purchases, making it impossible to buy online (although I haven’t fact-checked this, one account holder mentioned it). These two disadvantages alone are enough to question whether the benefits outweigh the limitations, especially since there are other affordable accounts without such restrictions. For more information about this type of account, you can visit any of the four banks or simply search for each bank’s latest pricing guide online.

The Big Three; FNB Lesotho, Nedbank Lesotho, and Standard Bank Lesotho, are the only banks in Lesotho besides Post Bank. They exist to provide various banking solutions within the country, such as transferring money between individuals and businesses, offering loans, facilitating savings, and more. Like all banks, they charge fees, and the Big Three are no exception. The biggest concern lies in the fees people incur on their savings. While it is reasonable to speak out against the high fees imposed by these banks, the real issue is the impact such charges have on savings and investments. Saving is the act of setting aside money for future use. There are different ways to store this money. It can be kept in a container or piggy bank, under the bed, or anywhere else in the house. A person who saves money usually ensures that it is not accessible to anyone else. This is why they may wrap a container securely or hide it in places that are difficult to reach. However, this method has risks: someone might accidentally discover the container and steal it, or find the money while cleaning the house and take it for themselves. With the introduction of financial institutions, people could open accounts and save their money safely. Money could be stored for future use without much worry. Financial institutions include banks, insurance companies, cooperatives, and mobile money services (such as M-Pesa and EcoCash). People can save money with these institutions, though they may encounter fees or earn interest. With mobile money, users typically store their money without expecting interest or fees. In contrast, banks, insurance companies, and cooperatives offer savings with the hope of earning interest. However, these institutions often do not disclose interest rates unless a client shows interest in their savings products. Many people are curious about savings, yet they rarely learn about the specific types of savings available. As a result, the majority seem to have lost enthusiasm for saving to earn interest. As a result, many people save money without expecting interest, yet they still encounter fees. For short-term savings, most people use mobile money services or banks, while long-term savings are often kept in insurance companies or cooperatives. The thesis behind this piece is to advocate for cooperatives because of their unique advantages. Cooperatives are more convenient in the sense that they can only be accessed through their physical branches, which are open only during specific hours. A good example is Boliba Savings and Credit Cooperative, which operates from Monday (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) to Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.). This limited accessibility means that clients can only withdraw money during those times. This is actually better than banks and mobile money services, which are accessible 24/7, making it easier for clients to spend their savings impulsively. In contrast, cooperatives help discourage unnecessary withdrawals while still allowing access within their working hours. Insurance companies, on the other hand, are different because they focus on long-term savings, while cooperatives provide a balance by allowing shorter-term savings with restricted but reliable access. Mobile money services have agents everywhere, and banks have ATMs widely available, but cooperatives lack both ATMs and agents. This limitation encourages clients to be disciplined with their savings, allowing their money to accumulate without unnecessary interruptions. People are often tempted to use their savings impulsively, but cooperatives discourage this and foster patience. For example, the Phuthalichaba Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (PSCCS) requires members to save a fixed proportion of their income each month. This system enforces saving because members contribute regularly without expecting immediate access to their money. PSCCS operates in a way that is similar to insurance, while Boliba functions more like a bank. Boliba is located at Koporasi, and its most common savings account is called Molulaqhooa. Users can register with just M150, which is credited to their account and used to cover monthly fees if the user delays in making deposits. A proof of residence is also required, most commonly a letter from the local chief, with the necessary form provided by the institution. Currently, Boliba has only one branch, which makes it difficult for some clients to withdraw their money since the branch may be far from where they live. Boliba Koporasi Maseru