Discover Lesotho’s Wool Industry

Lesotho’s wool industry supports approximately 45,000 people and produces high-quality Merino wool that reaches markets across China and Europe. Beyond its economic importance, wool holds profound cultural significance for the Basotho people, providing the essential material for the iconic Basotho blanket—a wearable symbol of identity and heritage embodied in the saying “Kobo ke Bophelo” (the blanket is life).

The Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association has been an IWTO Associate Member since 2009. Discover more about Lesotho’s wool industry, cultural traditions, and role in global markets in this comprehensive country overview.

Download the full Lesotho Wool Industry Report here.

About the IWTO

The International Wool Textile Organisation is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Since 1930, IWTO has represented the collected interests of the global wool trade.

About the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association

The Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LNWMGA), an IWTO member since 2009, is a member-based association dedicated to maintaining pure Merino sheep production for international markets. Under strong governance leadership, they continue to strengthen Lesotho’s position as a trusted partner in global wool trade, fostering sustainable livelihoods for rural communities while delivering exceptional quality fibres to international textile markets.

The View from Lesotho: Wool Round Table 2025

Our Wool Round Table concluded 26 November in Maseru, Lesotho, where more than 200 participants from 13 countries gathered to explore sustainable practices, innovation, and the vital role of southern Africa’s wool in the global supply chain.

Of the participants, 105 were Lesotho wool and mohair growers. Lesotho’s wool and mohair production forms the economic backbone of the Mountain Kingdom, where nearly 70% of the population lives in rural highland areas dominated by livestock production. Livestock contributes 4.8% of GDP compared to agricultural crops at 1.9%, with wool and mohair accounting for 58.3% of agricultural exports and serving as the primary cash commodity for mountain farmers.

The sector sustains over 50,000 rural households through a well-structured value chain that includes smallholder farmers, 130+ shearing facilities, the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LNWMGA), and access to South African auction markets. Production statistics show 1.2 million sheep producing an average of 2.7 kg of wool annually, alongside 845,000 Angora goats for mohair production.

Lesotho holds global significance as the world’s second-largest mohair producer, contributing 14% of global mohair production, while wool production represents 0.2% of world output at approximately 5,800 tons annually.

“Lesotho represents an essential voice in the global wool conversation,” said IWTO President Klaus Steger. “The country’s wool industry demonstrates remarkable resilience and commitment to quality, supporting rural livelihoods whilst producing fibre that meets exacting international standards. This Round Table has showcased the innovation and dedication present throughout Lesotho’s wool production.”

“The connections forged and knowledge shared at this Round Table will strengthen wool’s position globally whilst celebrating the distinctive contribution of African wool producers,” said IWTO Secretary General Dalena White. “Lesotho has been an exceptional host, and the insights gained here will inform our industry’s direction for years to come.”

For more insights, download the Wool-Round-Table-2025_Media-Release.pdf.