Africa’s leather industry workshop on Cluster Development concluded today in Nairobi.
The five-day workshop marked by insightful discussions and strategic planning, was graced with a compelling closing address by the Industrialisation Secretary from the State Department for Industry Nobby Macharia.
Organized by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), the landmark event brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, private sector partners, and industry stakeholders from various ALLPI member states.
The workshop’s agenda was ambitious, focusing on enhancing the capacity of member states to design, manage, and implement clusters aimed at driving economic growth and innovation within Africa’s leather sector.
Throughout the week, attendees immersed themselves in comprehensive sessions that covered the fundamentals of cluster development. The curriculum was robust, encompassing stakeholder engagement, governance, strategic planning, and hands-on exercises in business plan formulation and financial planning. Expert presentations on successful cluster case studies enriched the learning experience, providing practical insights into effective cluster management.
The Kenyan delegation made a notable contribution by underscoring the importance of quality standards within clusters. They emphasized the development and review of standards and quality certifications, highlighting the ultimate goals of increased market access, export volumes, job creation, improved livelihoods, GDP growth, and the promotion of sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
In his closing remarks, Macharia lauded the dedication of the participants and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to fostering initiatives that drive industrialization and economic development. He highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Kenyan government to support the leather sector, including efforts to reduce shoe importation and establish standards for local manufacturers, especially for the disciplined forces.
Macharia also addressed the significant challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the leather industry. He pointed out issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to affordable financing, and the need for enhanced technical skills and market information. He stressed that effective cluster formation and management are crucial in overcoming these obstacles and boosting the sector’s competitiveness.
An essential part of the workshop was the introduction of various tools for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of cluster activities. These tools included project evaluation questionnaires, performance metrics, and dashboards designed to quantitatively measure the success of interventions. Participants were trained to rate different aspects of project management, technical competency, and change management, enabling them to assess the effectiveness of their cluster initiatives objectively.
Commending the workshop’s success, Macharia emphasized the strategic importance of cluster development in the broader context of national and regional economic growth. “This workshop has been a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance the leather industry across Africa,” he stated. “The knowledge and skills you have acquired here will be instrumental in developing robust clusters that can drive economic growth, create jobs, and increase our competitiveness on the global stage.”
He further highlighted that the workshop marked the beginning of a transformative process. He encouraged participants to continue their efforts in cluster formation and management, leveraging the networks and knowledge gained during the workshop to implement effective and sustainable cluster initiatives.
As the workshop drew to a close, participants left with comprehensive business plans and strategic frameworks ready for implementation. The commitment to continuous learning, monitoring, and evaluation will ensure that these initiatives remain sustainable and impactful.
Future steps announced by Macharia include diagnostic assessments and the use of digitized planning and implementation tools to track progress and ensure accountability. He underscored the role of organized clusters in attracting support and reducing transaction costs, thereby improving profitability and efficiency within the leather sector.
ALLPI Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe expressed his gratitude to the Government of Kenya for hosting the workshop and to all participants for their active engagement. He emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and the shared goal of advancing the leather sector across Africa.
“We have made significant progress this week,” Mudungwe said. “But this is just the beginning. Let us continue to work together, support each other, and drive the development of robust clusters that will transform our economies and improve the livelihoods of our people.”
The ALLPI Regional Training Workshop on Cluster Development has successfully equipped participants with the tools and strategies needed to implement effective cluster development in their respective countries. The collaborative spirit and shared experiences have enriched the understanding of cluster dynamics and fostered a network of professionals dedicated to advancing the leather sector. As the workshop concludes, the momentum gained promises to translate into tangible and sustainable economic growth, marking a new era for Africa’s leather industry.
