By Evans Dakwa
Zimbabwe will host the inaugural SADC Regional Leather Forum slated for Bulawayo tomorrow the 22nd of July 2025 with approximately 50 participants from policy makers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers development partners and private sector representatives expected to grace the event.
Supported by the Germany government, the meeting is aimed at boosting and accelerating industrialization and regional trade in the leather value chain by strengthening the sector across SADC Member States.
The one-day event will feature presentations on the current state of the regional leather sector and a continental outlook by the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI). In line with the decision of the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration (MTF), representatives of Member States will be providing an update on their respective implementation of the Regional Leather Model Policy and Framework.
According to the press statement released prior to the event, “The support is part of SADC-German cooperation’s aim to promote value chain development, trade facilitation, and industrialisation across the region by strengthening institutions and fostering private sector engagement. In the leather sector specifically. “
The European country has supported upgrades in tanneries, improved production standards, and business linkages in countries such as Botswana and Namibia. The project is implemented by GIZ, under the Cooperation for the Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE) programme.
The SADC Regional Leather Forum is a key step under the broader SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063), which aims to transform the region from a resource-based economy into one driven by value addition and high productivity. The Forum will provide a space to explore how aligned policies, regional cooperation, and private sector engagement can improve competitiveness and sustainability in the leather sector.