The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), is set to launch the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy (2025-2029) at a high-level dialogue workshop in Nairobi. The event, scheduled for March 27-28, 2025, will bring together key industry stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of Africa’s leather industry.
The strategy aims to transform Africa’s raw leather resources into high-value export commodities by providing a structured framework for investments, policy development, and industry collaborations. This initiative follows the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy Validation Workshop, held in August 2024 in Nairobi.
A major focus of the strategy is to enhance the region’s competitiveness in the global leather market. It emphasizes the need for:
Technology adoption to improve productivity and quality
Skills development for artisans and leather industry workers
Infrastructure improvements to strengthen the supply chain
Sustainability practices that align with environmental and social standards
By addressing these key areas, the strategy seeks to boost economic growth, create jobs, and increase Africa’s share in the global leather market.
The launch event will serve as a crucial platform for:
Government policymakers to align national policies with the strategy’s objectives
Industry leaders and investors to explore collaboration opportunities
Leather producers, designers, and artisans to gain insights into value chain development
Academia and research institutions to contribute to innovation and sustainability
The Secretary General of COMESA, alongside representatives from the 21 COMESA Member States, will preside over the launch, reaffirming the regional commitment to developing the leather industry
Founded in 1990 and endorsed by 17 COMESA Heads of State, ALLPI has been instrumental in positioning Africa’s leather sector as a competitive global player. The institute focuses on industry development, skills training, and policy advocacy to increase the value of African leather.
Through the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy (2025-2029), ALLPI aims to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and unlock Africa’s full potential as a global leather powerhouse. The strategy is expected to play a transformative role in enhancing Africa’s leather industry, ensuring that the region can compete effectively on the international stage