The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) have embarked on a transformative journey through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership, signed today in Nairobi, signifies a promising future for Africa’s leather industry, aiming to revitalize the leather value chain across the continent.
The timing of this MoU is impeccable, coming on the heels of the validation of the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy for 2025-2029. This strategy targets the critical challenges that the leather industry faces, aligning with the MoU’s objectives and paving the way for a coordinated effort to enhance the sector.
The signing ceremony brought together high-level officials, including Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, and Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR. Both institutions have expressed a shared commitment to tapping into Africa’s vast leather potential. Despite the continent’s rich resources, its leather industry contributes only a small fraction to the global market.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the quality and competitiveness of African leather products,” stated Mudungwe during the ceremony. “By combining our expertise and resources with those of AU-IBAR, we can address critical issues such as animal health, the quality of hides and skins, and sustainable production practices.”
The MoU outlines a comprehensive plan for cooperation between ALLPI and AU-IBAR. Key focus areas include improving animal health, adopting modern technologies in leather processing, and promoting sustainable practices within the industry. This collaboration aims to strengthen the entire leather value chain, from farm to finished products.
Dr. Salih emphasized the importance of this collaboration, highlighting AU-IBAR’s expertise in animal health and resources. “Healthy and well-managed livestock are the backbone of a thriving leather industry. This MoU will allow us to address the root causes of poor-quality hides and skins, ensuring that Africa’s leather products can compete on the global stage,” she stated.
A crucial aspect of the MoU is its emphasis on sustainability. With the global market increasingly demanding eco-friendly products, the partnership aims to position Africa as a leader in sustainable leather production. Initiatives include the development of centralized effluent treatment plants, the promotion of traceability in the leather value chain, and support for research and technology transfer.
Moreover, the MoU underscores the importance of capacity building, especially in areas such as animal feeding, slaughterhouse practices, and establishing institutional infrastructure. By investing in the skills and knowledge of those involved in the leather industry, ALLPI and AU-IBAR are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and competitive sector.
The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts aimed at tangible outcomes. Both institutions have committed to operationalizing the MoU immediately, with plans to convene regular meetings to review progress and ensure that the objectives are being met.
Representatives from COMESA, who witnessed the signing, applauded the initiative, recognizing it as a crucial step towards realizing the goals set out in the validated COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy. The partnership between ALLPI and AU-IBAR is expected to play a significant role in achieving the strategy’s objectives, particularly in enhancing the quality of African leather products and expanding their presence in global markets.
In summary, the MoU between ALLPI and AU-IBAR represents a major milestone in the effort to elevate Africa’s leather industry to new heights. By focusing on improving the quality of raw materials, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the overall value chain, this partnership has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for the continent. As both institutions move forward with their collaborative efforts, the African leather industry is poised to become a key driver of economic growth and development in the region.
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