NAIROBI, Kenya- Africa’s leather industry stands on the brink of transformation, with the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) spearheading efforts to unlock the sector’s untapped potential.
This week, Nairobi hosts the Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy Validation Workshop, where stakeholders from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) have gathered to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The goal? To forge a stronger, more competitive leather sector that drives economic growth and job creation across the continent.
The workshop kicked off with high expectations, as COMESA member states outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the leather sector.
A key focus is on enhancing financial access for businesses within the leather value chain—a move seen as essential for scaling operations and increasing value addition.
The strategy also emphasizes the importance of robust policy frameworks and sustainable production practices, aiming to create an industry that’s not only profitable but also environmentally responsible.
Nobby Machariasa, Industrialisation Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Industry, underscored the importance of this strategic plan.
“This workshop is a critical step towards realizing the immense potential of the leather sector in the COMESA region. The strategic plan we validate here will serve as a roadmap for transforming our industry, enhancing its global competitiveness, and creating sustainable jobs for our people,” Machariasa said.
Despite the sector’s potential, the workshop highlighted several obstacles that need urgent attention.
Low levels of value addition within the leather industry, limited access to affordable financing, and the absence of strong policy and regulatory frameworks were identified as significant hurdles.
Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, didn’t mince words when he stressed the importance of this gathering.
“This is not just another meeting; this is where we lay the foundation for a more competitive, sustainable, and integrated leather sector in the COMESA region,” Mudungwe remarked, emphasizing the long-term impact of the workshop’s outcomes.
The strategy, developed in collaboration with the European Union through the Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP), aims to address these challenges head-on.
By aligning resources and efforts, the hope is to boost intra-regional and global trade, ensuring that Africa’s leather products gain a stronger foothold in international markets.
