Zimbabwe and Ethiopia leather sector SMEs empowered at ZITF 2026

THE Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) empowered six Zimbabwe and Ethiopia leather sector small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing them space to showcase their products at the recently ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026.

ALLPI, in partnership with the Leather Institute of Zimbabwe (LIZ) and the Government of Zimbabwe, presented a bold and transformative vision for Africa’s leather sector.

Anchored on the theme “Leather Reimagined: Competitive Design for a Connected Economy,” the ALLPI exhibition stand emerged as a centrepiece of innovation, demonstrating how Zimbabwe’s leather industry is transitioning from raw material exports to high-value, design-driven production within a globally connected marketplace.

ALLPI Entrepreneurship, Product Design and Development Manager, Mr Preston Viswamo said at the heart of the showcase was the Satellite Design Studio, positioned as a smart factory of the future.

“Through live demonstrations, visitors experienced a compelling farm-to-fashion journey, where raw hides sourced from local livestock systems are transformed into digitally designed, high-quality footwear using advanced 3D CAD technologies,” he said.

“This integrated approach significantly reduces design-to-production timelines, from days to hours, while aligning local production with international quality and design standards. It signals a clear shift toward a more competitive, technology-enabled leather sector capable of meeting both regional and global demand.”

He said this is where Africa stops exporting potential and starts exporting precision, while what they demonstrated was not just innovation, but a complete system, one that connects rural production, digital design, and industrial manufacturing into a single value chain.

Mr Viswamo said beyond the technology, the stand was also served as a gateway for talent development and industry participation.

“A dedicated Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Talent Leather Design Showcase 2026, (RLSD Africa) desk was actively registering designers into the continental/global competition, attracting strong interest from young creatives, SMEs, and industry stakeholders,” he added.

“The initiative is positioning design as a central pillar in Africa’s leather transformation, linking creativity with sustainability, durability, and market relevance. It is an initiative of Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) in partnership with ALLPI.”

He said RLSD was about more than design, it was about building a generation that understands leather as identity, sustainability and long-term value.

Mr Viswamo said the exhibition was also strengthened through the participation of sponsored exhibitors, including three Ethiopian small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and two Zimbabwe Leather Clusters, further showcasing regional collaboration, SME development and the growing competitiveness of Africa’s leather industry.

One of the exhibitors under ALLPI was RLSD Africa Ambassador and alumna, Ms Nompelelo Marilyn Samambgwa, a dynamic voice in African leather design and a two-time award winner, having secured the People’s Choice Award (2023) and Footwear Category Award (2024).She said her presence at the stand was both symbolic and practical, bridging experience with aspiration.

“I actively engaged aspiring designers, offering mentorship, and encouraging them to take part in the RLSD Africa Showcase as a pathway to continental and global recognition. RLSD gave me more than recognition, it gave me direction and confidence as a designer,” she said.

“To every young African creative walking into this space, this is your moment. Step forward, take the risk, and design with purpose. The world is ready for African ideas and African craftsmanship.”

Bulawayo Leather Cluster Marketing Officer, Mr Joseph Mukondo said the ZITF 2026 gave them an opportunity to broaden their market clientele.

“We produce high-quality and exclusive range of leather products. ZITF 2026 gave us an to showcase our leather products that include shoes, belts, scandals and bags among others as we sought to consolidate local market supplies as well as attract international buyers,” he said.

He said they also offer services like training youth that might want to join the leather sector and the trade fair gave them an opportunity to engage with a number of young people.LiNU Manufacturing General Manager, Ms Lidia Million from Ethiopia, said ZITF 2026 played a key role for them to expand their markets to Southern Africa.

“LiNU Manufacturing, established in 2013, is an Ethiopian leader in ethical leather goods production. We specialising in bags, belts, and gloves and champion female empowerment by employing 84 percent women from vulnerable groups and providing them with valuable skills and fair wages,” she said.

“We sell our products to the local market in Ethiopia and export to international markets such as the United States of America (USA). ZITF 2026 gave us an opportunity to engage the Zimbabwean and Southern Africa markets as well as delegates from other countries who attended the trade showcase.”
Mr Hagose Weldu from Ethopia, said at ZITF 2026 they made contact with several potential buyers.

“This was an indication our leather shoes could have a market here and if all goes well we might be soon coming to set up a manufacturing factory in Zimbabwe. Ethiopia globally is well known for its livestock endowment which positions the country as a potential global leader in the production of leather and leather products,” he said.