Zimbabwe is positioning the leather industry as a key driver of industrialization, value addition, and export growth, as the government intensifies efforts to unlock the sector’s full economic potential.
Industry players and government officials gathered in Bulawayo on Monday to explore ways of strengthening the leather value chain and increasing its contribution to the national economy.
This initiative is based on Zimbabwe’s strong cattle-rearing base, which provides a solid foundation for developing a competitive leather industry.
Stakeholders emphasized that collaboration across the value chain will be crucial 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, allowing the value chain to play a vital role in driving industrial transformation,” said one industry participant. Another participant noted that the broad representation at the meeting reflected the importance of partnerships in advancing the sector.
“It is encouraging to see such a diverse gathering, as it highlights the critical importance of collaboration in driving industrial development,” the stakeholder remarked.
The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council stated that the sector is implementing the four strategic pillars outlined 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 Mr. Clement Shoko, a representative of the council.
Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, emphasized that the leather value chain is central to the objectives of the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP2). “It serves as 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 stated.
The government views the leather sector as a strategic avenue for export diversification, job creation, and broader industrial transformation. The renewed focus on the leather industry is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s manufacturing capacity while creating new opportunities across the value chain, from livestock production to finished leather goods
