The Central Bank of Lesotho kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 6.50% at its March 2026 meeting, maintaining a cautious stance amid rising global uncertainty. The decision reflects a balance between supporting domestic growth and preserving external stability, with policymakers noting that strong foreign reserves remain well above minimum thresholds. While inflation eased to 2.7% in February, the outlook has been revised higher due to rising global oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict, which has increased stagflation risks. Economic activity remains subdued, with modest growth and expectations of slowing credit expansion in the medium term. The central bank also aims to maintain a small interest rate gap with South Africa to support the currency peg. Looking ahead, policymakers signaled that future decisions will remain data-dependent, closely monitoring global developments, especially energy prices and their impact on inflation and reserves. source: Central Bank of Lesotho
The benchmark interest rate in Lesotho was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Lesotho averaged 8.04 percent from 1980 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 20.42 percent in December of 1990 and a record low of 3.50 percent in July of 2020. This page provides - Lesotho Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Lesotho Interest Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on April of 2026.
The benchmark interest rate in Lesotho was last recorded at 6.50 percent. Interest Rate in Lesotho is expected to be 6.50 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Lesotho Interest Rate is projected to trend around 6.00 percent in 2027 and 5.00 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.