Zambia is set to host the 18th Africa Leather Value Chain forum from the 26th to the 28th November 2025 at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The summit has attracted over 100 delegates in the leather value chain from across the continent.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director of Industry, Musokotwane Sichizuwe disclosed in a Press briefing that while Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga will grace the summit.
Mr Musokotwane highlighted that the summit will focus discussions on value addition in the leather value chain, Trade facilitation, increasing competitiveness and investments in the sector among other things.
“Deliberations during the forum will focus on value addition in our locally sourced hides and skins, competitiveness, access to finance especially for SMEs, Trade facilitation and investments promotion, all aligned to the Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA” he said
He added that over 40 entrepreneurs in the leather value chain from across Africa are also expected to showcase their work and will provide them an opportunity to share knowledge and network from other enterprises in the value chain
The Director also stated that the summit is being held in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretariat and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute ALLPI.
And speaking at the same Press Briefing, Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute ALLPI Executive Director. Nicholas Mudungwe shared that the institute and other shareholders in the leather value chain are concerned that Africa, despite being a large-scale producer of livestock, contributes only 3% of the 2.2 billion leather shoes sold globally.
Mr Mudungwe expressed that the low contribution by Africa is a clear indication that the continent is lagging behind in value addition and employment creation in the industry.
He expressed confidence that with collaboration and technical knowledge sharing at the summit, Africa’s contribution can be increased to the targeted 50%.
The summit is being held under the theme: Unleashing Africa’s leather potential; sustainable, inclusive and competitive.
