African countries collaborate on leather strategy
Representatives from a number of African countries have cemented plans to boost the leather industry across the continent.
At a meeting of the Regional Leather Sector Core Team and SMEs Technical Committee in Zimbabwe, responsibilities were divided among stakeholders with a view of discussing progress at a follow-up meeting in Swaziland.
Recommendations to be overseen by the Leather and Leather Products Institute (LLPI) of Central and Eastern Africa include:
• create a regional data and information centre
• focus on capacity building for the leather industry in Malawi, Zambia, Eritrea, Swaziland and Burundi
• provide research on specific themes to generate knowledge for policy in all LLPI member states
• formulate market linkage strategies for SMEs to promote intra-trade
• pursue the establishment of an African leather platform.
Recommendations to be overseen by member states:
• implementation of leather value chain (LVC) strategies
• identify affordable finance sources for SMEs’ development.
Recommendations to be overseen by SMEs and private sector:
• create internship and apprenticeship to students at tertiary/vocational training
• identify the incentives available for SMEs to enhance trade and development.
