Kenyan’s leather industry has made a renewed call for Chinese investment.

Beatrice Mwasi, secretary-general of Leather Apex Society of Kenya, told Chinese newswire Xinhua that 95% of leather is finished elsewhere. “We are seeking to partner with Chinese firms so that we can wean ourselves from exporting semi-processed leather products,” Mwasi said.

In 2018, the Tanners Association of Kenya has said smuggling of hides and skins to China is costing governments in the East African Community (EAC) around $30 million in lost tax each year.

Almost 80% of Kenya’s footwear is imported from China, even though there is access to raw material.

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