Nicholas Mudungwe ,Executive Director, ALLPI
The COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy Validation Workshop began today in Nairobi, marking a pivotal moment for the leather industry within the region. Hosted by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), the workshop has gathered a diverse group of participants, including government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region.
The event is set to shape the future of Africa’s leather sector by reviewing and validating the regional strategy for 2025-2029.
The workshop opened with a sense of purpose, as delegates convened to scrutinize the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy. Developed through comprehensive consultations, this strategy aims to address critical challenges and explore new avenues for growth in the leather industry.
Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, highlighted the workshop’s importance in laying the groundwork for a more competitive, sustainable, and integrated leather sector in the COMESA region.
Mudungwe expressed gratitude for the support of the European Union, which funded the strategy’s development through the Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP). He also acknowledged H.E. Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General of COMESA, for her vital role in allocating resources to ALLPI, crucial for this transformative initiative.
Nobby Macharia Director of Agro Industries, State Department for Industry
“This workshop is a critical juncture where we set the stage for the future of our leather industry. The outcomes will impact our economies, communities, and global positioning.” Mudungwe said
The first day’s sessions outlined the strategy’s objectives, which include improving access to finance, enhancing policy frameworks, promoting sustainable production practices, and boosting both intra-regional and global trade. Participants engaged actively, sharing experiences and insights to refine the strategy and ensure it meets industry needs.
A key highlight was a presentation on the current state of the leather value chain in the COMESA region. The presentation revealed significant potential for economic growth and job creation, while also identifying gaps such as low value addition, limited access to affordable finance, and the need for stronger policy and regulatory frameworks.
The discussions emphasized sustainability, reflecting global market demands for eco-friendly products. The strategy includes a strong focus on adopting green technologies and sustainable practices to align with international market trends.
Mr. Nobby Macharia, Industrialisation Secretary of the State Department for Industry and a Director at ALLPI, spoke on behalf of Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industrialisation. Macharia underscored the workshop’s role in driving industrial growth and expressed appreciation for the European Union’s support.
“This workshop is essential for unlocking the leather sector’s potential in COMESA,” Macharia said. “The strategic plan will guide us in transforming the industry, enhancing global competitiveness, and creating sustainable jobs.”
The event has attracted representation from various COMESA countries, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the leather industry and achieving regional transformation. As the first day concluded, there was a clear sense of unity and determination among participants. The consensus was that the COMESA region possesses the resources, talent, and potential to lead globally in the leather industry, provided there is concerted effort and collaboration.
The workshop will continue with discussions on implementation strategies, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and stakeholder roles. The outcomes of this workshop are anticipated to be crucial in setting the direction for the COMESA region’s leather industry, positioning it as a significant player in the global market.