Countries under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are targeting to cut export of raw skins and hides through value addition targeting small business.
The Leather Value Chain Strategy 2025–2029 which has been launched in Nairobi is seeking to support member countries address gaps which have made the uncompetitive.
Among the gaps the strategy will address include skills development, Small and Medium Enterprises support, innovation, and sustainability which are expected to members states globally competitive while creating jobs and building economic resilience.
Speaking during the launch, Industry Principal Secretary Dr. Juma Mukhwana backed the strategy to help Africa grow its manufacturing capacity which accounts for 3pc of the global manufacturing output and expand intra-African trade from the current 15pc.
A key proposal under the strategy is the establishment of a centralised Trade House to support SMEs in accessing chemicals, accessories, and raw materials addressing bottlenecks in production and procurement.
African Leather an Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe underscored the collaborative spirit behind the strategy, describing it as a living document. He emphasized that implementation requires teamwork, commitment, and the flexibility to adapt.
“Designing a strategy is like courtship, but implementation is marriage,” he added.
COMESA region currently exports most hides and skins with minimal processing, while importing at least $1.1 billion in footwear annually.
