…experts chart future of sustainable wool amid global industry shifts
LESOTHO hosted the 2025 International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) Wool Round Table in partnership with the Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LNWMGA) on 25 and 26 November, bringing together global and local actors to map the future of sustainable wool.
The two-day gathering, held at Avani Lesotho, drew farmers, fibre specialists, researchers, international brands, processors and financial institutions. Discussions centred on the evolving wool value chain and the opportunities emerging as sustainability, traceability and climate-smart production take centre stage worldwide.
The Round Table came at a pivotal time for the global fibre economy. Demand for certified sustainable textiles continues to rise; supply chains are under pressure to reduce emissions; regenerative grazing is gaining traction; and advances in digital traceability are reshaping how wool is produced, traded and valued. For Lesotho—one of the world’s top suppliers of fine Merino wool and the second-largest producer of mohair—the conversations held here carry significant national weight.
His Majesty King Letsie III, Africa’s Nutrition Ambassador, underscored the deep socio-economic importance of the wool and mohair industry. He reflected on the sector’s historic role in sustaining rural livelihoods by providing income, supporting healthcare, and enabling education for countless households. With agriculture forming the backbone of rural communities, wool and mohair remain vital contributors to both exports and GDP.
The event celebrated the country’s heritage while spotlighting future potential. Experts noted that Lesotho’s communal rangelands present opportunities for carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration and improved water stewardship—environmental outcomes that could unlock new revenue streams for producers when verified and supported by appropriate financing.
Throughout the two days, presentations demonstrated an accelerating global shift towards sustainable and traceable fibres. Topics ranged from methane-reducing feed additives and low-emission breeding programmes to energy-efficient processing and digital traceability platforms capable of verifying a garment’s environmental footprint from farm to fashion house.
Speakers stressed that sustainably produced wool increasingly attracts premium prices, especially in markets where certification and transparent supply chains are now required by major global brands. With advances in wool recycling and regenerative farming practices, wool is becoming central to the growing movement toward circular and nature-positive textiles.
Hosting the Round Table placed a spotlight on Lesotho’s enduring contribution to the global fibre value chain and gave local farmers and institutions a rare opportunity to engage directly with international experts. Discussions highlighted the need to maintain quality standards, strengthen rangeland management, invest in modern shearing and handling infrastructure, and widen market access for Basotho farmers.
The IWTO’s role as a global standard setter was a consistent theme. As sustainability becomes a core requirement in wool markets, IWTO frameworks provide the trust, consistency and verification needed to make climate-smart wool investable. Beyond ensuring fibre quality, these standards help open access to climate finance, reduce risk for investors and create pathways for new opportunities in fast-changing global markets.
The keynote address was delivered by Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) Senior Manager for Sustainability in Business and Commercial Banking, Andrea Campher, who stressed that sustainable finance is essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Ms Campher described wool as a “nature-positive fibre” with environmental benefits throughout its lifecycle—but said these benefits can only be fully realised when producers have access to well-structured climate-smart finance.
She highlighted SLB’s Sustainability Academy as a practical tool supporting farmers and businesses to adopt climate-smart practices and meet evolving global standards.
SLB’s Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Keketso Makara, spoke about the Bank’s historic connection to the wool industry. He noted that Standard Bank’s origins in 1862 were directly tied to the wool trade in Port Elizabeth, which fuelled the Bank’s early expansion.
“Lesotho is our home, and we drive her growth. Our commitment to this industry is long term. We are investing in agribusiness expertise, climate smart finance, digital collection solutions and improved market access so that the sector can thrive,” Mr Makara said.
He said SLB continues to partner with LNWMGA, BKB and other value chain stakeholders to support rangeland management, strengthen fibre quality and improve access to financial tools that help farmers prepare for changing global requirements.
As part of its support this year, SLB contributed M500 000 towards hosting the IWTO Wool Round Table, helping bring global expertise and collaboration to Lesotho.
The 2025 IWTO Wool Round Table reaffirmed Lesotho’s place in the global fibre economy and created momentum for deeper collaboration between international partners and local stakeholders. Delegates noted that with the right investments, standards and partnerships, Lesotho can move beyond its role as a raw material supplier and position itself as a recognised contributor to global sustainable textile innovation.
As the conference closed, Mr Makara invited delegates to return to Lesotho not only for business, but to experience the landscapes, culture and communities whose work sustains this important national industry.
