COMESA Launches Transformative Leather Strategy to Boost Regional Industrialization

In a major step toward strengthening Africa’s industrialisation agenda, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially launched its Leather Value Chain Strategy 2025–2029. The launch took place in Nairobi during a high-level workshop attended by government officials, development partners, private sector actors, and delegates from COMESA’s 21 Member States. The event, hosted by the Government of Kenya, marks a significant milestone for Africa’s leather industry and broader economic transformation. With a population of 640 million and a combined GDP exceeding USD 1 trillion, the COMESA region holds immense potential
to become a global player in leather production and trade.
COMESA Secretary General Her Excellency Chileshe Kapwepwe led the launch, emphasizing that the strategy is not merely a document but a transformative roadmap to shift the region from being raw material exporters to value-added producers. She highlighted that the region currently exports most hides and skins with minimal processing, while importing over USD 1.1 billion in footwear annually. Kapwepwe stated that the strategy targets skills development, SME support, innovation, and sustainability—enabling the region to compete globally while creating jobs and building economic resilience.

A key proposal under the strategy is the establishment of a centralised Trade House to support SMEs in accessing chemicals, accessories, and raw materials—addressing
bottlenecks in production and procurement. Delivering the keynote, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for Industry in Kenya, contextualised the strategy within Africa’s long-standing industrial deficit. With 17% of the global population, Africa contributes less than 3% to global manufacturing. Comparing this with Europe’s 9% population and 24% manufacturing share, he noted, “Somebody is eating our cake.”

Dr. Mukhwana emphasized that intra-African trade remains low at 15–17% and called for African countries to trade more with each other, eliminate internal trade barriers, and move from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods. He urged the continent to abandon a culture of dependency and take ownership of its industrialization. The Principal Secretary called on Africans to see themselves as investors and shared an inspiring example of a young entrepreneur producing quality footwear with simple tools. He emphasized the importance of small-scale manufacturing as a foundation for large-scale transformation.

“Every time you import a finished good, you export a job,” he warned.

ALLPI Executive Director Nicholas Mudungwe underscored the collaborative spirit behind the strategy, describing it as a living document. He emphasized that implementation requires teamwork, commitment, and the flexibility to adapt. “Designing a strategy is like courtship, but implementation is marriage,” he said.

He thanked the Government of Kenya, COMESA Secretariat, and European Union for their contributions, along with the technical team and the 21 Member States who shaped the strategy through inclusive consultations. He reaffirmed ALLPI’s role as a catalyst for implementation and regional integration.

Chair of ALLPI, Mr. Nobby Macharia, echoed these sentiments, describing livestock as a valuable natural resource yet to be fully harnessed by African economies. He noted that the value of hides and skins can sometimes surpass the value of meat and called for greater awareness of this among rural communities.
Former COMESA Secretary General and AU Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Erastus Mwencha, offered historical insights into COMESA’s industrial policy evolution, recalling leather as one of the first three sectors prioritised. He praised Ethiopia for hosting ALLPI and remaining a continental leader in leather manufacturing. He noted that Africa leads in livestock numbers yet contributes less than 30% to global leather trade, stressing the need to invest in design, quality, and innovation to remain competitive.
He also reflected on COMESA’s legacy in building continental institutions, including the Trade and Development Bank and the African Trade Insurance Agency. “COMESA has grown talent, markets, and vision,” he said, affirming its vital role in realising Africa’s industrial future.

The event concluded with a strong call to action. Delegates were encouraged to implement the strategy with urgency, collaboration, and commitment. The session ended with a celebration of shared vision, unity, and the promise of industrial transformation for the COMESA region.