loti

currency

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July 19, 2026

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The loti (plural: maloti) is the national currency of Lesotho. Introduced in 1980, it was established to create monetary independence from South Africa. The loti is issued by the Central Bank of Lesotho and is part of the Common Monetary Area, which includes Lesotho, Eswatini, South Africa, and Namibia. While Lesotho has the freedom to set its own exchange rate, the loti was fixed to the South African rand in the early 21st century. The name "loti" originates from the Sesotho language, meaning "mountain," likely referencing the Maloti Mountains in Lesotho.123

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Lesotho
Finance and trade
Lesotho’s currency, the loti (plural: maloti), is issued by the Central Bank of Lesotho. The currency was introduced in 1980 as a way to establish monetary independence from South Africa. Lesotho is a member of the Common Monetary Area, comprising Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, and (since 1990) Namibia.…
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Lesotho’s currency, the loti (plural: maloti), is issued by the Central Bank of Lesotho. The currency was introduced in 1980 as a way to establish monetary independence from South Africa. Lesotho is a member of the Common Monetary Area, comprising Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, and (since 1990) Namibia.…
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