Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, has called for a shift from exporting raw hides to producing and exporting high-quality finished leather goods to support the growth of Zimbabwe’s leather sector value chain.
This comes as the country’s leather sector is undergoing a revival under the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021–2030), anchored on increased investment and maximising value addition and beneficiation to promote export-led industrialisation.
In a keynote address at the Zimbabwe Leather Value Chain Stakeholders’ Workshop in Bulawayo on Thursday, the Minister said Zimbabwe has a strong livestock base capable of supporting a vibrant leather industry.
“However, the continued export of raw and semi-processed hides limits value addition, industrial growth and employment creation.
“Addressing challenges such as poor raw material quality, limited access to finance, outdated technology, skills gaps and weak coordination is therefore essential to transforming the sector into a fully integrated and competitive value chain,” he said.
“Our aim is to shift the country from exporting raw hides to producing and exporting high-quality finished leather goods. Key priorities include investment in modern and sustainable production facilities, as well as strengthening linkages with livestock farmers to improve raw material quality.”
He said there was a need to integrate small and medium enterprises through shared facilities and skills development, as well as enhancing quality, branding and market access to boost competitiveness.
Minister Ndlovu said strengthening the value chain carries numerous benefits for players across multiple sectors.
“A more predictable and stable industry ensures that farmers receive fair value for their hides, providing immediate relief to many households. An estimated 2,5 million rural-based families stand to benefit directly from the sale of hides, leather and leather products,” he added.
“This is not merely an industry issue; it is a matter of livelihoods, dignity and inclusive economic growth. When our Cold Storage Commission (CSC) was operating at its full potential, it was a cornerstone of value addition in our economy.”
He said the country produced a wide range of meat and meat products, hides and skins, as well as finished leather and leather goods.
The Minister said the integrated approach ensured that no part of the livestock value chain went to waste, while maximising returns for the nation.
“It is therefore imperative that we revive this critical facility and actively promote the development of our leather value chain. As you are aware, this sector produces essential raw materials that support other industries.
“These include tallow, which is widely used in soap production, and gelatin, a key input for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. By strengthening this value chain, we are not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also stimulating industrial growth and diversification,” he said.
He commended the Mutapa Investment Fund for its efforts to resuscitate the CSC with an injection of US$56,3 million.
Minister Ndlovu said in doing so, they create employment, expand opportunities for smallholder farmers and position the country to compete more effectively in regional and global markets.
“The revival of this value chain is, therefore, not just desirable; it is necessary for sustainable economic transformation. Allow me also to highlight the critical role being played by our development partners, particularly the African Development Bank (AfDB), in supporting the revival and modernisation of the leather sector,” he said.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, with support from the AfDB, successfully implemented a three-year pilot project, the Support to the Beef and Leather Value Chain Technical Assistance Project, in Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Provinces.”
He said this initiative was aimed at enhancing value chain growth through value addition by addressing key bottlenecks in the beef and leather value chain.
The success of the project was anchored on robust implementation and strong collaboration among stakeholders.
The Minister said following this success, the Government requested the AfDB to support a successor initiative, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Value Chain Enhancement Project (ZAVaCEP).
“This project aligns with Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021–2030). It will also comply with national environmental legislation and the AfDB’s environmental and social safeguards,” he added.
“The AfDB has committed a US$10 million grant for the implementation of this project over four years in Chivi and Chiredzi districts in Masvingo Province, as well as Beitbridge and Insiza districts in Matabeleland South Province.”
He said the project has already made commendable progress, with key activities such as stakeholder mapping and needs assessments successfully completed across the four selected districts in March 2026.
The two-day workshop is running under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration to Address Systemic Bottlenecks and Unlock Inclusive Growth in the Leather Value Chain” and is organised by the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).-herald
