Sudan targets leather sector revival to cut losses
Sudan has announced plans to revive its leather sector in a bid to reduce significant annual losses caused by wasted animal hides and weak processing capacity.
Local reports say more than half of available hides are lost due to smuggling, limited tannery capacity and poor coordination between authorities.
Sudan produces about 22 million leather units annually but exports fewer than 7 million, despite having a large livestock base and an estimated $45 billion (€41.4 billion) global market opportunity.
Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries Ahmed Al-Tijani Al-Mansouri said the sector could generate valuable foreign currency if properly developed, with a government plan covering around 40 projects focused on industrial growth.
The strategy aims to shift exports from raw hides to finished leather products, supported by new markets and potential partnerships with international fashion houses.
Recommendations from a Khartoum workshop included improving hide quality, expanding training programmes and rehabilitating tanneries, with proposals to engage global brands by September 2026.
