Thabo D. Khasipe

Chief Economist and GE: Strategy & Sustainability, DBSA South Africa

Mr. Khasipe is Lesotho’s first, of now three, CFA Charterholders. He is also a holder of a Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education certification for Leading Economic Growth. His ascension to this area of specialisation started with a choice to pursue a bachelor’s degree in economics at the National University of Lesotho where he obtained his degree in 1994. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Mr. Khasipe later continued his studies at the University of the Free State where he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business/Commerce, General Degree in 1998.

His career started as a Project Officer at the Lesotho Fund for Community Development. He then joined NUL as an economics lecturer followed by a brief stint as an economist at the Central Bank of Lesotho. Mr. Khasipe’s professional endeavour in contributing to the shaping of the economic landscape of Lesotho continued in his role at the Lesotho Communications Authority as the Director of Strategic Planning. He has also worked as a General Manager at Stanlib Lesotho from 2007 to 2008.

In 2003, he became the founding Commissioner of Customs and Excise at what is now known as Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL). This would later culminate into him being appointed to position of Deputy Commissioner General at the same institution from 2004 to 2007 and later acting as Commissioner General for one year. In 2016 he was appointed as Commissioner General at the RSL where his strategic leadership led to the change of the institution from an Authority (LRA) to RSL.

In 2008, Mr. Khasipe was appointed as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the state of Kuwait and served in this role until 2014.

Mr. Khasipe’s appointment to position of CEO of the LNDC, is preceded by his role as the third Executive Secretary of SACU since 1st February 2023 until 31st October. 2025. His work at SACU began in 2015 where he served as Deputy Executive Secretary for a year.