The 18th Africa Leather Value Chain Forum has today opened in Lusaka, bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, and development partners to chart a new course for the continent and beyond.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the official opening of the forum in a speech read on his behalf by Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga emphasised the country’s commitment to transforming the leather industry and create jobs.
Mr Chipoka said the leather sector presents great opportunities for employment creation, rural development, and export growth.
“We are deeply honoured to host this prestigious event and welcome our brothers and sisters from across the continent and beyond,” Chipoka said.
During the forum, the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) and Stanbic Bank Zambia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pilot a dedicated Small Medium Enterprise financing mechanism for the Zambia Leather Value Chain.
Mr Chipoka stressed that the MoU between ALLPI and Stanbic Bank is important for African MSMEs as it will give the leather producers the tools, capital, and confidence to compete on the world stage.
He added that the initiative is expected to be replicated across Africa, with Stanbic Bank committing to roll out the model in all its operating countries if the pilot succeeds in Zambia.
Mr Chipoka also highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has potential to boost intra-African trade, which currently stands at 15 percent.
“We hope the AfCFTA will present an opportunity to change this narrative,” Mr Chipoka said, urging member states to minimise non-tariff barriers and harmonise standards.
He expressed expectations that the forum will conclude with a renewed commitment to build a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive African leather industry.
And speaking earlier at the same forum, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Acting Secretary General, Dev Haman commended Zambia’s initiatives, including the establishment of Leather Manufacturing Centres, development of leather curricula, and implementation of hides and skins traceability systems.
“Zambia has shown commendable leadership in industrial diversification, SME development, and value-chain strengthening,” Mr Haman said.
Mr Haman noted that the forum is expected to shape the future of Africa’s leather industry, with discussions focusing on sustainability, standards harmonisation, SME financing, and distribution models.
He further reaffirmed COMESA’s commitment to working with ALLPI and other stakeholders to build a competitive, sustainable, and integrated African leather value chain.
Meanwhile, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute Executive Director Nicholas Mundungwe called for Africans to consume and support African products adding that it will help create a market for African producers.
Mr Mundungwe emphasised the need for African countries to work together to industrialise the continent by implementing policies that support industries in Africa.
The 18th Africa Leather Value Chain Forum, is being held under the theme, “Unleashing Africa’s Leather Potential: Sustainable, Inclusive and Competitive.”
