Baokunyaoda eyes wool, mohair sector revival
…targets direct access to Asian markets for Basotho farmers Moroke Sekoboto A new player in Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector, Baokunyaoda, has entered the market with ambitions to transform the industry by linking local producers directly to international buyers while improving payment efficiency. The China-hailing investor said it was committed to building a... The post Baokunyaoda eyes wool, mohair sector revival appeared first on Lesotho Times.
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…targets direct access to Asian markets for Basotho farmers
Moroke Sekoboto
A new player in Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector, Baokunyaoda, has entered the market with ambitions to transform the industry by linking local producers directly to international buyers while improving payment efficiency.
The China-hailing investor said it was committed to building a mutually beneficial, long-term partnership with Basotho farmers.
The move came as farmers reeled from the impact of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has since restricted the transportation of wool and mohair to South Africa, where producers traditionally sold through brokers.
To demonstrate its commitment, Baokunyaoda said it had already begun purchasing wool and mohair locally at prices higher than those offered by South African brokers. The company was stockpiling the fibre in anticipation of the lifting of the FMD ban, a move aimed at preventing farmers from losses over fibre destroyed by rain or rodents while stored in shearing sheds, and also easing farmers’ immediate financial pressures.
With agriculture remaining a cornerstone of Lesotho’s economy, the company positioned itself as a strategic partner to tackle longstanding challenges such as high logistics costs, low production quality, and inefficient payment systems that had historically disadvantaged smallholder farmers.
Speaking at a press conference at Lancers Inn this week, Baokunyaoda Sales and Marketing Manager, Motlatsi Bale, said the company’s strategy centred on eliminating intermediaries who often took a significant share of farmers’ earnings.
“We are creating a direct link between Basotho farmers and the Chinese market, ensuring higher returns and faster payments,” Mr Bale said, adding that the company guaranteed payment within a maximum of three weeks.
He said Baokunyaoda aimed to capitalise on zero-tariff trade opportunities between Lesotho and China by focusing on faster market access, building trust in product quality, and positioning Lesotho’s wool and mohair as premium products in one of the world’s largest textile markets.
“Our main purpose is to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with farmers and the government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Agriculture by bringing the Chinese market closer and cutting out middlemen who erode farmers’ profits,” Mr Bale said.
Beyond trade, the company has planned to invest in local infrastructure, including the construction of processing factories in Lesotho. This, Mr Bale said, would add value to raw materials such as wool and mohair and support the country’s transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
He added that Baokunyaoda also intended to invest in improving production techniques to enhance both the quality and quantity of output.
“Our mission is to share international market information with farmers and government, ensuring that every farmer receives first-hand information and timely payments,” he said.
Mr Bale also said Lesotho’s wool and mohair industry had the potential to become a preferred natural fibre partner for China, with the initiative expected to create jobs, empower farmers and youth, and build a sustainable industry.
He urged Basotho farmers to embrace the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to achieve greater financial independence and long-term sustainability, while taking advantage of 100 percent tariff-free access to the Chinese market.
Baokunyaoda Manager, An Kui Baokunyao, said the company’s goal was to bridge the gap between farmers, government and global markets.
“Our long-term plan is to establish factories in Lesotho to add value to farmers’ fibre. We are committed to providing direct access to international market intelligence and ensuring prompt, reliable payments,” Mr Kui said.
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