Zim leather sector players to explore markets in Italy
The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council (ZLDC) has partnered with three key organisations to arrange a trip to Italy for Zimbabwe leather industry players in July to explore market opportunities, and build relationships with potential partners.
ZLDC, an apex body of the Zimbabwe leather value chain, has partnered with the United Kingdom (UK) based Zambezi Trade and Investment, Kukura Business Accelerator (KBA) and NC Leather of Italy.
ZLDC secretary Mr Jacob Nyathi said the trip was also critical to enhance the export capacity of Zimbabwe’s leather product suppliers.
“This trip is expected to take place at the end of July 2025, with the objectives to explore market opportunities, establish relationships with potential partners in Italy and enhance export capacity in line with the National Export Strategy and the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (ZLSS) 2021-2030,” he revealed.
“Expected benefits include market insights, whereby the Zimbabwe leather industry players gain valuable insights into the Italian and European Union (EU) market trends.”
He said there were also networking opportunities through connecting with potential buyers, partners and industry experts, as well as capacity building by enhancing knowledge and skills on exporting to the Italian and EU markets.
Mr Nyathi, who is also the chairman of the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) Technical Committee on Standards for Leather, Footwear, Leather Products and Accessories, called on interested leather industry players to take up the opportunity.
“They should get in touch with us as ZLDC and not miss the opportunity to explore new market opportunities and gain insights into the latest sustainable leather processing methods.”
ZLDC is charged with coordinating Zimbabwe’s leather value chain activities, from farmers to manufacturers, leather and leather products wholesalers, retailers and related institutions.
Zimbabwe has set an ambitious export target of US$14 billion by 2030, with the diversification of markets and products identified as a key strategy for achieving this goal.
The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, is focusing on expanding the country’s export base beyond traditional goods by promoting value-added products that can create a solid foundation for sustainable export growth.
According to the national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, one of the sectors identified as having significant growth potential is the leather industry, which offers vast potential for producing value-added goods.
Zimbabwean leather products, renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, include footwear, handbags, belts, upholstery, automotive leather and accessories.
The global leather market is worth approximately US$200 billion annually, according to Trade Map.
Additionally, ZimTrade has said there is increasing demand for exotic leather, such as crocodile, ostrich and elephant skins, while Zimbabwe’s high-quality exotic leather positions the country favourably to tap into this lucrative sector.
The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) prioritises the leather industry as a potential driver of value-added production and export growth.
The Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021-2030) also seeks to reduce dependence on raw hide exports by promoting high-value products such as footwear, garments and accessories.-herald
