Italy deals can put Kenya on the global leather stage
Assomac, the body that represents Italy’s tanning and footwear machinery companies, has signed strategic agreements with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and with financial institution Equity Bank Kenya.
These agreements, which include tanning industry body UNIC and leather chemicals association UNPAC, aim to aid the development of the leather value chain in Kenya through the use of Italian products and know-how.
The signing of the agreements took place in Nairobi on March 26 at a leather sector meeting that ran during the wider Kenya International Investment Conference. The agreements have the support of Kenya’s ministry of investment trade and industry, the Kenya Leather Development Council and the Kenya Investment Authority.
Afterwards, the partners said their aim is to create a set-up that will allow Kenyan manufacturers to compete in the global leather production chain.
Equity Bank Kenya’s involvement will give local buyers access to finance facilities for acquiring machinery and other products from Italy. The partners have said Kenyan manufacturers view this as a way for them to make leather and leather products that meet international standards and earn them a share of export markets.
After signing the agreements, Assomac president, Mauro Bergozza, commented: “This project will support the development of a structured manufacturing system in Kenya in which Italian machinery and technology will play an important part.” He said Kenyan leather and leather products can become “a strategic asset” for the global leather industry.
“Made In Italy does not just mean excellent products. It also signifies the ability to transform raw materials into products with high value-add,” Mr Bergozza continued. “We want to use this heritage to help strengthen the potential that Kenyan companies have to be part of international markets. We want to help build up sustainable, competitive production ecosystems across the world.”
