A new study on Malawi’s leather value chain has uncovered major challenges in producing quality hides and skins. The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) shared findings from a recent workshop that gathered leather stakeholders in Malawi.

The diagnostic report showed that poor handling and preservation methods are causing big losses.

Farmers and tanners are missing out on higher profits because hides are damaged before they even reach processing units.

Experts at the workshop said that with better flaying, preservation and handling methods Malawi can upgrade its raw materials into premium wet blue leather.

This will help the country compete in regional and global markets and open the door to more jobs and income across the supply chain.

The workshop stressed that improving these first steps is key to building a stronger and more profitable leather sector in Malawi.