Lesotho Textile Industry Faces Job Losses, Prioritizes Ethical Standards
Lesotho’s textile and apparel industry has faced a stark decline, shedding nearly 16,000 jobs from March 2018 to March 2024, as highlighted during a workshop convened by the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC). Puseletso Makhakhe, LNDC’s Corporate Investment and Trade Promotion General Manager, outlined the sector’s challenges, citing reduced employment and shrinking export markets that have adversely affected the country’s GDP.
Makhakhe noted a significant loss of 4,740 jobs in the textile industry between March 2023 and March 2024 alone, primarily due to diminishing orders and economic uncertainties. She highlighted the rising operational costs, disruptions in supply chains, and financial strains exacerbated by delayed VAT refunds as key contributors to Lesotho’s textile sector woes.
In response, the LNDC has sought expert advice to formulate strategies, including adherence to international standards such as the Worldwide Responsible Accreditation Production (WRAP) certification. This certification promotes ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring workplaces are lawful, humane, and free from child labor and discrimination. The workshop, attended by industry stakeholders, aimed to bolster Lesotho’s global competitiveness, particularly under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Lesotho as an ethical sourcing hub, advocating for sustainable business practices and upholding labor rights. WRAP Senior Vice President, Mark Jaeger, emphasized the certification’s role in meeting stringent international buyer requirements amid fierce competition in the global apparel market.
Sam Mokhele, Secretary General of Lesotho’s National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union (NACTWU), expressed solidarity with initiatives promoting ethical work environments. He called for collaborative efforts to address industry challenges and restore market stability, urging unity among stakeholders to confront shared concerns effectively.
