20 Maloti

The 20 Maloti banknote entered circulation on December 23, 2021, as part of Lesotho's comprehensive redesigned currency series featuring King Letsie III on the obverse alongside the national coat of arms and the distinctive Basotho hat registration device. The reverse depicts traditional Lesotho architecture—rondavels with thatched roofs—set in a landscape that reflects the country's cultural heritage and pastoral traditions. Measuring 135 mm × 70 mm, the note incorporates an Anima security thread that appears broken during normal viewing but becomes continuous when held to light, demonstrating advanced security printing technology. Additional protective features include a watermark of King Moshoeshoe I, tactile parallel lines for accessibility to the visually impaired, and the Mokorotlo (Basotho hat) see-through registration device. The 2021 series was produced by De La Rue using sustainable ADDvance hybrid materials and represents the first banknote series using Cotton Made in Africa certification, combining 75% cotton with 25% FSC-certified wood pulp.