COMESA Support Helps Zimbabwe Rebuild Its Leather Value Chain
LW Desk
Zimbabwe’s leather industry is getting support to improve production, product quality and access to overseas markets, with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) backing several programs for the sector, according to reports from Zimbabwe’s national daily, The Herald.
The support is helping Zimbabwe make better use of its hides and skins and produce more finished leather goods instead of relying mainly on raw and semi-processed materials.
COMESA has been involved in the development of Zimbabwe’s leather sector since 2000, said Leather Institute of Zimbabwe (LIZ) Board chairman Cornelio Sunduza.
According to Sunduza, one of the major program was the Adding Value to African Leather (AVAL) Regional Project, which focused on improving the industry from hide and skin collection through to finished leather products.
In Zimbabwe, the project helped set up or improve slaughter facilities in Shurugwi, Nhema, Murehwa and Gwanda. He said these improvements helped raise the quality of hide and skin collection, handling and preservation, giving tanneries and manufacturers better raw materials.
He also highlighted the technical support provided to leather companies through international experts and regional trade fairs in Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia. These program gave businesses exposure to new products, production methods and markets.
Technology has been another key area of support. Through the Regional Enterprises Competitiveness and Access to Markets Program (RECAMP), a leather Design Studio was developed with modern design and product making equipment.
The studio includes CAD/CAM systems, cutting plotters, ShoeMaster V20 software and 3D design tools. These technologies have made it easier and faster for manufacturers to develop designs, create patterns and produce prototypes.
Sunduza’s remarks underline the wider role of COMESA program in helping Zimbabwe build a stronger leather value chain, create more value from local hides and skins, and improve the ability of local companies to compete in regional and international markets.
