The Africa Leathera and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) is working to tackle major challenges that hinder the continent’s leather industry from competing on the global market.

Through the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy (2025-2029), ALLPI aims to solve critical issues such as limited value addition, outdated technology, lack of financing, and weak market connections.

ALLPI Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe emphasized the need to promote genuine leather over synthetic alternatives, which are less durable and harmful to the environment.

“Africa must embrace genuine leather products rather than cheaper synthetic alternatives that are neither durable nor environmentally friendly”

Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director, ALLPI

Despite Africa’s rich livestock resources, the continent lags in global leather production. Mudungwe pointed to Ethiopia and Egypt as examples of successful leather industries, attributing their progress to affordability and quality.

ALLPI is urging African governments to support local leather industries through strong policies, funding, and better access to finance.

Countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia serve as models for industrial growth in the leather sector.

ALLPI Board Chair Nobby Macharia called for a strong commitment to the five-year strategy, encouraging COMESA Member States to ensure its effective execution. He stressed the importance of transforming Africa’s resources into real economic benefits.

Private sector players were also urged to maintain transparency by providing accurate and timely data to help governments develop supportive policies that will attract investment and drive the growth of Africa’s leather industry.