Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
ZIMBABWE is positioning the leather industry as a key driver of industrialisation, value addition and export growth, as Government intensifies efforts to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
Industry players and Government officials met in Bulawayo on Monday to explore ways of strengthening the leather value chain and increasing its contribution to the national economy.
The initiative is anchored on Zimbabwe’s strong cattle-rearing base, which provides a solid foundation for the development of a competitive leather industry.
Stakeholders said collaboration across the value chain will be critical in addressing existing gaps and unlocking growth opportunities.
“This is an important meeting because it brings us together to identify gaps in the leather sector so that the value chain can be instrumental in driving industrial transformation,” said one industry player.
Another participant said the broad representation at the meeting reflected the importance of partnerships in advancing the sector.
“It is encouraging to see such a diverse gathering. It reflects the critical importance of collaboration in driving industrial development,” the stakeholder said.
The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council said the sector is implementing the four strategic pillars set out in the National Leather Sector Strategy, with a strong focus on value addition, innovation and export competitiveness.
“It is only through exports that we can grow our economy. The game-changer is now in place, and we expect innovative designs to emerge from our highly advanced design studio,” said the council’s representative, Mr Clement Shoko.
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu said the leather value chain is central to the objectives of the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP2).
“It is a prime example of agro-processing and value addition, transforming raw hides and skins into high-value finished products for both domestic and export markets,” he said.
Government sees the leather sector as a strategic avenue for export diversification, job creation and broader industrial transformation.
The renewed focus on the industry is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s manufacturing capacity while creating new opportunities across the value chain, from livestock production to finished leather goods.
