The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) has convened a critical pre-pilot technical meeting in Ethiopia to further develop and implement a hides and skins traceability and eco-certification system. Bringing together representatives from 14 African countries, this event aims to refine strategies for a transparent and sustainable leather industry across the continent.
Took place in Bishoftu, Oromia region, on October 21–22, 2024, the gathering included a broad array of industry stakeholders and policymakers.
The 13 countries that participated the Workshop were Burundi, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Zambia.
Organized by ALLPI under the RECAMP initiative, the session addressed regional technical needs to establish a robust traceability and certification system for hides and skins.
This approach is part of a larger strategy to enhance transparency and ensure sustainable practices within Africa’s leather value chain.
In 2020, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) tasked ALLPI with leading the traceability and eco-certification efforts for hides and skins within its member states.
Known as the Regional Certification and Marketing Program (RECAMP), the project underscores the importance of eco-friendly practices and aims to implement traceability technology that can track hides and skins from livestock origins to finished leather products.
The proposed Hides and Skins Traceability System encompasses a detailed process to track each stage of the leather journey, allowing stakeholders to identify the origin, quality, and methods used in hide processing.
Key features of the system include:
- Identification at Source
- Data Collection Points
- Database Management
- Certification
The initiative also includes support programs for businesses in COMESA member countries, helping them align with certification criteria and meet international standards.
