The International Trade Centre (ITC) is working to enhance the resilience and value of Lesotho’s wool and mohair industry, supporting strategies to help the sector withstand future economic shocks. Wool and mohair have long been central to Lesotho’s economy, accounting for 60 per cent of agricultural exports and supporting over a quarter of the rural population. Small-scale farmers, who have raised sheep and Angora goats since the 1800s, rely on these fibres for income, jobs, and economic stability, producing high-quality wool and lustrous mohair prized worldwide.
In recent years, the sector has faced significant challenges. Limited road infrastructure makes transporting wool and mohair to markets difficult, while climate-related issues such as droughts and land degradation affect fibre quality and working conditions. These obstacles are compounded by gaps in coordination, policy, certification, access to finance, and the capacity to respond to evolving market demands.
Historically, Lesotho’s livestock industry depended on cross-border networks with South African brokers, which provided markets and support but limited the benefits to local farmers. In 2018, the government nationalised the sector to increase local employment and incomes, restricting industry licences to Lesotho citizens. Subsequent regulatory changes and ongoing instability prompted the government to seek support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
IFAD’s research highlighted opportunities for upgrading Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector by connecting local producers to ethical fashion and premium “green fibre” markets. Building on this, ITC’s collaboration with IFAD focuses on sustainable design, production, and international branding to link traditional fibre producers with ethical markets globally. This partnership also builds on ITC’s ongoing programme with the Lesotho government and ILFA to strengthen the textile and clothing sector, enhancing trade competitiveness and value addition.
The Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project, central to this initiative, aims to improve the sector’s climate resilience, develop capacity, and increase market value, particularly for small producers and value chain enterprises. Community-centered interventions include training local teams in fibre processing, quality control, and design, ensuring knowledge and skills remain within the communities. Design, production, and business training further strengthen local capacity, reinforcing economic and environmental resilience.
At the core of the project is job creation and skills development. By establishing a Basotho-led social enterprise, the initiative opens employment opportunities across the value chain, from design and production to marketing and international trade. Climate-smart practices and strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards ensure inclusive and environmentally responsible growth, with a focus on youth and women’s participation.
ITC also helps connect Lesotho’s fibres with international buyers by creating compelling brand stories that emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. This approach celebrates Basotho heritage, linking storytelling and cultural identity to the fibres and enhancing the appeal of Lesotho’s wool and mohair in global markets.
