Zimbabwe’s leather sector is turning to China for support as it tries to rebuild its once-thriving industry. Local leaders believe that teaming up with Chinese companies could help boost production and improve quality.
Fungai Zvinondiramba, a leader at the Zimbabwe Leather Development Council, said China’s strong manufacturing skills and fast supply chains can help Zimbabwe become more competitive around the world.
“We are looking to China as a partner in developing our leather sector. We are also focusing on the entire value and supply chains, from chemicals for our tanneries to components for our shoes and leather boots. China produces all of these, and we want strong trade relations to develop our leather value chain”
Fungai Zvinondiramba, Councillor, Zimbabwe Leather Development Council
He added that the Chinese market is especially interested in handcrafted leather items like belts. Zimbabwe has a rich tradition of leather craft and access to high-quality hides from its livestock and wildlife.
In Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city, many small businesses use both traditional hand tools and modern machines to produce leather goods like bags, shoes, and wallets. These handcrafted products stand out from factory-made goods due to their unique designs.
“We have the best hides, the best animals. And we also have a strong historical background in leather crafting. The skill set and infrastructure are already in place. We have those trained in manufacturing, as well as those with natural talent for crafting”
Fungai Zvinondiramba, Secretary, Bulawayo Leather Cluster
Zvinondiramba also mentioned that Zimbabwe could export raw hides and meat products, such as beef, to China. With its huge population, China offers a promising market for both leather and meat.
“We are also looking at promoting our abattoirs in China. With the world’s largest population, China presents a lucrative market for our meat products, especially beef, which is also part of our value chain”
Fungai Zvinondiramba, Councillor, Zimbabwe Leather Development Council
The leather sector in Zimbabwe used to be strong, especially in shoe production. But today, it faces challenges like the rise of cheap synthetic shoes and second-hand imports. Local start-ups are trying to bring the industry back, but they are struggling.
Joseph Mukondo, who works in marketing for the Bulawayo Leather Cluster, explained that many buyers choose cheaper shoes made of plastic because of the tough economy.
“So far, the leather industry is struggling due to the influx of cheap synthetic leather imports and second-hand shoes. We are trying to win back customers by promoting genuine leather, but with the current economic hardships, people tend to buy two or three pairs of shoes for 10 U.S. dollars instead of a single genuine leather pair for 20”
Joseph Mukondo, Marketing Representative, Bulawayo Leather Cluster
Zvinondiramba said that big foreign companies used to make shoes in Zimbabwe. Now, it’s mostly smaller local firms trying to grow. That’s why he believes Chinese support could help take these businesses to the next level.
“We used to have large foreign companies making shoes in Zimbabwe. Today, most activities are carried out by local start-ups. That is why we are turning to China to help our start-ups grow into major players in the leather sector”
Fungai Zvinondiramba, Councillor, Zimbabwe Leather Development Council
Zimbabwe is hoping that new partnerships with China will give its leather industry the tools and markets it needs to succeed again. With skilled workers, strong raw materials, and global support, the country could once again become a major name in leather goods.
Source – Xinhua
