Top 10 Richest People In Lesotho In 2025 And Their Net Worth

Lesotho, a mountainous kingdom nestled within South Africa, is a country rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and growing economic potential. Over the years, a number of Basotho individuals have risen to prominence through entrepreneurship, politics, agriculture, mining, and commerce. These high-net-worth individuals have not only amassed significant fortunes but have also shaped the country's development in meaningful ways.

If you’ve ever asked: Who are the richest people in Lesotho in 2025, what are their net worths, how did they accumulate their wealth, what industries are they involved in, how do they spend their money, and what challenges do they face in today's economy, then you’re in the right place.

This article explores the top 10 richest people in Lesotho in 2025 and their net worth, giving you detailed insights into their financial journeys, industries, and contributions to Lesotho’s economy.

Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Lesotho in 2025?

These influential figures are not only known for their wealth but for their contributions to job creation, social investment, and innovation. From mining magnates to business leaders and politicians-turned-investors, the top 10 richest people in Lesotho in 2025 are vital players in the country’s economic development.

Understanding how they built their fortunes can serve as motivation for future entrepreneurs in the Mountain Kingdom and beyond.

Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Lesotho in 2025

1. Sam Matekane – Net Worth: $90–$100 Million

Who is Sam Matekane?
Sam Matekane is Lesotho’s wealthiest individual and a businessman-turned-politician who currently serves as the Prime Minister.

How did he make his money?
He is the founder of Matekane Group of Companies (MGC), which operates in construction, mining, aviation, and transport. His company played a major role in building national infrastructure and supplying resources across Southern Africa.

Financial Journey
From humble beginnings, Sam built a conglomerate that employs thousands. His wealth is largely tied to mining contracts, infrastructure development, and private aviation services.

Fun Fact:
He owns a private jet and once flew an entire team of medical professionals to provide free services in rural Lesotho.

2. Lebohang Thotanyana – Net Worth: $15–$20 Million

Who is Lebohang Thotanyana?
Former Minister of Mining and an accomplished entrepreneur with deep involvement in the energy and minerals sector.

How did he build his wealth?
Through investments in coal, diamonds, and renewable energy projects within Lesotho and Southern Africa.

Financial Journey
He combined public sector influence with private enterprise, giving him leverage in strategic national industries.

Fun Fact:
He was instrumental in designing Lesotho’s early renewable energy policy.

3. Tšeliso Mokhosi – Net Worth: $10–$15 Million

Who is Tšeliso Mokhosi?
A businessman and former government minister who leveraged agriculture and real estate to build his fortune.

How did he make his money?
He owns farmland estates and agro-businesses that export livestock and grains to neighboring countries.

Financial Journey
By reinvesting profits into property development, Tšeliso built a stable income across multiple sectors.

Fun Fact:
He once donated thousands of seedlings to support youth farming cooperatives.

4. Mamello Phafoli – Net Worth: $10 Million

Who is Mamello Phafoli?
One of Lesotho’s most successful female entrepreneurs, known for her textile exports and women’s empowerment initiatives.

How did she build her wealth?
She runs textile factories that export garments to the U.S. under the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act).

Financial Journey
Starting as a small seamstress, she scaled up using international trade agreements and labor-intensive production.

Fun Fact:
She employs over 1,000 people, the majority being women.

5. Thabo Khasipe – Net Worth: $8–$10 Million

Who is Thabo Khasipe?
Former Commissioner General of the Lesotho Revenue Authority and a savvy investor in logistics and fintech.

How did he make his money?
Through strategic investments in cross-border trucking, payment systems, and supply chains.

Financial Journey
He transitioned from public finance to the private sector with sharp planning and early tech adoption.

Fun Fact:
He’s considered a thought leader in financial digitalization in Lesotho.

6. Napo Matete – Net Worth: $8 Million

Who is Napo Matete?
An entrepreneur in Lesotho’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector.

How did he accumulate wealth?
Through a chain of lodges, resorts, and eco-tourism experiences, especially around Sani Pass and Malealea.

Financial Journey
He leveraged Lesotho’s scenic landscape to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Fun Fact:
His lodges have been featured in international travel documentaries.

7. Lineo Tsikoane – Net Worth: $6.5–$8 Million

Who is Lineo Tsikoane?
A rising businesswoman who made her fortune through pharmaceuticals and medical supply chains.

How did she make her money?
Her company supplies hospitals across Lesotho and partners with NGOs and government programs.

Financial Journey
She scaled her enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic by responding quickly to supply shortages.

Fun Fact:
She donates medication and equipment to rural clinics each year.

8. Rethabile Ramaphoko – Net Worth: $6 Million

Who is Rethabile Ramaphoko?
CEO of a successful construction company and contractor for large road and housing projects.

How did he build his fortune?
He secured long-term government and private contracts in infrastructure.

Financial Journey
From working as a foreman, Rethabile became a business owner and regional supplier of construction materials.

Fun Fact:
He runs an apprenticeship program for young engineers.

9. Makalo Mofolo – Net Worth: $5.5 Million

Who is Makalo Mofolo?
Tech entrepreneur and founder of one of Lesotho’s first mobile payment platforms.

How did he make his money?
He created a platform used by thousands of Basotho for peer-to-peer money transfers and bill payments.

Financial Journey
Starting in university, he built his fintech startup from scratch with support from regional investors.

Fun Fact:
His app was featured in a Southern African innovation summit.

10. Masechaba Mokitimi – Net Worth: $5 Million

Who is Masechaba Mokitimi?
A successful author, speaker, and media entrepreneur known for her publishing house and educational TV content.

How did she earn her wealth?
She monetized local-language publishing and educational media to support schoolchildren and adult learners.

Financial Journey
Masechaba transformed her love for writing into a multi-sector media brand.

Fun Fact:
Her books are used in more than 500 schools across Lesotho.

How Do the Richest People in Lesotho Make Their Money?

The top 10 richest people in Lesotho in 2025 build their fortunes across these major industries:

• Construction & Infrastructure

• Mining (Diamonds, Coal)

• Textiles & Manufacturing

• Agro-business & Livestock

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Technology & Fintech

• Healthcare Supplies & Pharmaceuticals

These sectors form the backbone of Lesotho’s economy, and these individuals have mastered how to grow within them.

Challenges Faced by the Richest in Lesotho in 2025

Despite their success, these wealthy individuals navigate several hurdles:

• Limited access to global investment capital

• Infrastructure gaps (roads, energy)

• Currency instability and trade dependency on South Africa

• Slow technology adoption in rural areas

Nonetheless, adaptability and regional partnerships have helped them grow steadily.

How Do Lesotho’s Richest Spend Their Money?

The richest people in Lesotho in 2025 spend and invest in:

• Real estate & land holdings

• Luxury vehicles and travel

• Philanthropic initiatives

• Youth training, education, and agriculture development

Many also support social projects, especially in education and healthcare.

Lessons from the Richest People in Lesotho

• Start small, grow steadily

• Leverage national and regional trade opportunities

• Focus on high-impact industries

• Reinvest in people and communities

• Build businesses with purpose, not just profit

Conclusion

The top 10 richest people in Lesotho in 2025 and their net worth represent a powerful blend of vision, innovation, and resilience. Their journeys show that even in a small, landlocked nation, great success is possible through creativity, dedication, and commitment to community development.

As Lesotho continues to grow, these business leaders and entrepreneurs will remain at the forefront, driving progress and inspiring a new generation of Basotho innovators.