Story by Yolanda Moyo
BULAWAYO – IN an effort to fast-track industrialisation by strengthening the leather value chain, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with support from the German government, is hosting the inaugural SADC Regional Leather Forum in Bulawayo.
The forum provides a vital platform for aligning regional policies, assessing progress on the SADC Leather Regional Model Policy Framework, and fostering cross-border investment, innovation, and trade within the leather sector.
Part of the broader SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), the event highlights the region’s commitment to shifting from a resource-dependent economy to one driven by value addition and productivity.
The forum is being held under the SADC-German Cooperation framework and is implemented through the GIZ-led CESARE programme.
Germany’s contributions have included upgrading tanneries, enhancing production standards, and strengthening business operations in the sector.
The forum is expected to generate practical outcomes, including a roadmap for policy harmonisation, improved product quality, and expanded export opportunities both across Africa and globally.
