In a landmark move set to reshape Africa’s leather industry, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).
This partnership, signifies a major step forward for the continent’s leather sector. The MoU comes on the heels of the validation of the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy for 2025-2029, which targets key challenges in the region’s leather industry.
The agreement is designed to create a solid foundation for joint efforts to enhance the sector, aligning closely with the strategic goals set forth in the COMESA strategy.
The collaboration between AU-IBAR and ALLPI underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s leather value chain, a crucial component of the broader Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA).
This MoU is aimed at addressing gaps and promoting best practices across the value chain—from livestock production to the creation of finished leather products.
The focus on the leather sector is vital for achieving LiDeSA’s objectives, which include increasing productivity, market access, and value addition within the livestock sector.
This, in turn, is expected to enhance incomes for smallholder farmers and contribute significantly to the continent’s socioeconomic development.
Outlined in the MoU are several critical areas of cooperation, including
- The improvement of animal health,
- The promotion of sustainable practices within the leather sector, and
- The adoption of advanced technologies in leather processing.
Through these joint efforts, AU-IBAR and ALLPI are dedicated to enhancing the entire leather value chain, from the farm to the final product. The partnership is not just about addressing immediate challenges but also about fostering long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability in Africa’s leather industry..
“By combining our expertise and resources with those of AU-IBAR, we can tackle critical issues such as animal health, the quality of hides and skins, and sustainable production practices.”
Nicholas Mudungwe, Director of ALLPI
In conclusion, the MoU between AU-IBAR and ALLPI marks a historic moment for Africa’s leather industry. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and value chain development, this partnership is set to transform the continent’s leather sector, driving economic growth and improving livelihoods across Africa.
