Major investment opportunity in tanning
A report in the influential publication Business In Africa has identified tanning as one of Namibia's major investment opportunities.
It points out that the tanning industry in the country has existed for some time, but only on a limited scale, with only a handful of companies involved in tanning and the manufacturing of leather products.
Annually, about 200,000 cattle hides are processed locally up to wet blue. There is, therefore, the report concludes, enough raw material available to further develop the tanning industry up to the crust and finished leather stages.
Business in Africa believes potential exists to set up successful tanneries in Namibia for cattle, sheep, goat, game, ostrich, crocodile and seal hides, as well as the development of a finished-goods manufacturing sector, including footwear, garments and accessories.
