The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership that promises to transform the leather value chain across the continent.
This MoU comes at the right time, just after the successful validation of the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy for 2025-2029. The strategy, which aims to address the key challenges facing the leather industry in the region, aligns perfectly with the objectives of the MoU, creating a strong foundation for coordinated efforts to enhance the sector.
The signing ceremony, held in Nairobi, was attended by high-level officials from both institutions, including Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, and Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of Africa’s leather industry, which despite its rich resources, contributes only a small fraction to the global leather market.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of African leather products,” said Mudungwe during the ceremony. “By combining our expertise and resources with those of AU-IBAR, we can address critical issues such as animal health, the quality of hides and skins, and sustainable production practices.”
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including the improvement of animal health, the adoption of modern technologies in leather processing, and the promotion of sustainable practices within the leather industry. Both ALLPI and AU-IBAR have committed to working together on initiatives that will enhance the entire leather value chain, from farm to finished products.
Dr. Salih highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that the partnership will leverage AU-IBAR’s expertise in animal health and resources, which are critical to producing high-quality raw materials for the leather industry. “Healthy and well-managed livestock are the backbone of a thriving leather industry. This MoU will allow us to address the root causes of poor-quality hides and skins, ensuring that Africa’s leather products can compete on the global stage,” she stated.
One of the key aspects of the MoU is its focus on sustainability. With the global market increasingly demanding eco-friendly products, the partnership aims to position Africa as a leader in sustainable leather production. This includes the development of centralised effluent treatment plants, promotion of traceability in the leather value chain, and support for research and technology transfer.
Moreover, the MoU emphasizes the importance of capacity building, particularly in areas such as animal feeding, slaughterhouse practices, and the establishment of institutional infrastructure. By investing in the skills and knowledge of those involved in the leather industry, ALLPI and AU-IBAR are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive sector.
The signing of this MoU is the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts aimed at tangible outcomes. Both institutions have expressed their commitment to operationalising the MoU immediately, with plans to convene regular meetings to review progress and ensure that the objectives are being met.
Representatives from COMESA, who witnessed the signing, applauded the initiative, recognising it as a crucial step towards realizing the goals set out in today’s validated COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy. The partnership between ALLPI and AU-IBAR is expected to play a significant role in achieving the strategy’s objectives, particularly in enhancing the quality of African leather products and expanding their presence in global markets.
The MoU between ALLPI and AU-IBAR represents a major milestone in the effort to elevate Africa’s leather industry to new heights. By focusing on improving the quality of raw materials, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the overall value chain, this partnership has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the continent. As both institutions move forward with their collaborative efforts, the African leather industry is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and development in the region.
