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Trade Focus
Allan Majuru
ZIMBABWE is increasingly becoming renowned worldwide for its top-quality products.
Regular reports from leading buyers indicate that global consumers prefer goods from Zimbabwe compared to those from other nations.
This feat can be attributed to deliberate efforts by President Mnangagwa’s Government to modernise and industrialise the country.
His administration has consistently emphasised the need to advance product development through research, science, technology and innovation (driven by institutions of higher learning) as a critical plank in achieving Vision 2030.
On several occasions, the President has also reiterated the need to enhance the quality and development of local products, challenging local industries and communities to produce goods that meet international standards.
This push, which is anchored in the need to boost the visibility of local products on the African continent and beyond, has been paying off, as the contribution of value-added products to exports continues to grow.
Official statistics indicate that exports of manufactured or value-added products rose by 55 percent to US$119,2 million from January to March this year, compared to US$76,7 million during the same period last year. This growth demonstrates results of the ongoing drive to industrialise and ensure that local resources are processed before being exported.
However, there is still more that the local industry can offer.
For example, Zimbabwe has massive potential to produce high-end value-added leather products.
The global luxury market values exclusivity and craftsmanship, with exotic goods made from crocodile, ostrich and elephant leather being highly sought-after.
The quality and artistry of Zimbabwean exotic leather have long been recognised by European buyers, who have a longstanding reputation for owning premium leather products.
Growth in Zimbabwe’s exotic leather industry owes its success to a robust crocodile farming sub-sector and rich tradition of leather craftsmanship.
The exotic leather industry, known particularly for its high-quality crocodile skins, operates under strict regulations, ensuring sustainability and traceability.
This approach aligns with global luxury market trends favouring environmentally conscious sourcing.
Primarily farmed in Zimbabwe, the Nile crocodile provides thick, dense hides with a unique “belly cut” pattern, adding visual interest to finished products.
The meticulous tanning process preserves the leather’s natural strength, suppleness and lustre, resulting in durable, beautiful luxury goods.
Zimbabwe’s leather industry also boasts a skilled workforce of tanners and artisans.
They have mastered the intricate processes of tanning, dyeing and crafting finished leather goods.
This expertise is crucial for transforming raw hides into high-value luxury products.
To maximise the export potential, there is need to focus on value addition, transforming raw hides into finished goods like handbags and apparel.
This way, local producers can unlock access to the growing markets of value-added leather products in Africa and across the world.
According to Trade Map, global imports of leather articles grew from US$82,4 billion in 2019 to US$93,1 billion in 2022.
Leading importers of leather and leather products in 2022, which Zimbabwe already enjoys excellent trading relations with, include China (US$6,01 billion), Japan (US$5,8 billion), France (US$5,6 billion), Germany (US$5,2 billion), Italy (US$4,4 billion), Republic of Korea (US$4,2 billion) and the United Kingdom (US$3,6 billion).
The Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is another emerging market with potential.
This region has a strong affinity for luxury fashion and bold design statements.
Zimbabwean exotic leather can be crafted into a wider range of products beyond traditional accessories, resonating with the region’s flamboyant fashion sense. Figures from Trade Map show that imports of leather items in the UAE grew from US$1,27 billion in 2019 to US$1,3 billion in 2022.
As the UAE is now the second-largest importer of Zimbabwean products after South Africa, there are opportunities to introduce more leather merchandise.
Also, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a significant opportunity for Zimbabwean leather exports.
By eliminating tariffs and trade barriers within Africa, AfCFTA has created a vast internal market for Zimbabwe’s finished leather products.
This expanded market access could position Zimbabwe as a leading supplier of high-end leather goods across the continent, leveraging on its strengths in sustainable sourcing, quality and craftsmanship.
Africa’s imports of leather articles have grown slightly from US$1,1 billion in 2019 to US$1,2 billion in 2022.
The largest importers on the continent include South Africa (US$248 million), Ghana (US$154 million) and Morocco (US$144 million).
Allan Majuru is the chief executive officer of ZimTrade.
Online Reporter