Sunday 27 July 2025Sithembinkosi L JiyaneBusiness Reporter The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has successfully concluded its inaugural Regional Leather Forum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The three-day event, held from July 22 to 24, 2025, brought together over 30 delegates from 15 SADC member states, representing policymakers, private sector players, researchers, development partners, and entrepreneurs.The Southern African Development Community (SADC) was established in April 1980 as the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC). The name was changed to SADC in August 1992.
While SADC itself was established in 1980, the leather sector within SADC has evolved over time with various initiatives and developments, including the establishment of the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) by COMESA in 1990, which was later rebranded in 2017.The forum was held under the theme “Accelerating Regional Integration: Building Sustainable Partnerships for Leather Value Chain Transformation”.According to SADC, the event aimed to strengthen regional collaboration, explore sustainable practices, and unlock opportunities in Africa’s leather sector.Industry leaders and innovators gathered to discuss sustainable practices and financial solutions to boost Africa’s leather sector. Lupane State University student Loveletter Muchayi emphasized leather’s long-term value. “While leather products carry higher price tags, their quality ensures longevity. A single pair of school shoes can last a child multiple years, making them a wise investment.”Cecilia China, CEO of Afro-Tech Organic Leather, showcased the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We produce premium leather from hides without deforestation, and our zero-waste approach creates new products while protecting ecosystems.”China also highlighted their innovative Animal Herd Insurance program, which protects cattle owners from losses due to disease, drought, and theft, providing critical support to their raw material suppliers.Delegates from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa explored strategies to enhance regional leather value chains, adopt eco-friendly production methods, and improve market access for artisans.The forum also spotlighted inclusive development, particularly the role of women in the leather value chain. Preston Viswamo, Regional Design Studio Manager at the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), urged stakeholders to consider gender-lens investing. “We must ensure women and other marginalized groups are not left behind in this transformation.”Insurance was also highlighted as a critical pillar in strengthening the leather value chain.Speaking at the event, Nomagugu Matshazi of Old Mutual Insurance emphasized the importance of protecting livestock farmers from climate change, theft, disease, and other threats. “As insurers, we offer tailored solutions to help farmers manage risk and maintain continuity.”The forum was implemented with support from the German Development Cooperation through GIZ, under the CESARE (Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration) program.Marcelle Ntyee, Martarambutana design studio, Lesotho emphasized that the forum was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders in the leather industry to connect, share ideas, and align their goals.
He highlighted that the event created a common understanding among participants, fostering regional collaboration and commitment to advancing the leather value chain through innovation and partnerships.“The forum was helpful. We came together, spoke the same language of leather, and strengthened collaboration for sustainable growth.”The successful conclusion of the Regional Leather Forum marks a milestone in advancing SADC’s vision for an inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant leather sector. ZimGBC NEWS 2025.
