Zimbabwe pushes for shift to finished leather goods to boost value chain

THE Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizotha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, has called for a shift from exporting raw hides to producing and exporting high-quality finished leather goods for 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 investments 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“Addressing challenges such as poor raw material quality, limited access to finance, outdated technology, skills gaps, and weak coordination is therefore essential to transforming the sector into a fully integrated and competitive value chain,” he said.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 is 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 Ndhlovu said strengthening the value chain carries significant benefits across multiple sectors.

“A more predictable and stable industry ensures that farmers receive fair value for their hides, providing immediate relief to many households. Indeed, 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 Zimbabwe previously produced a wide range of meat and meat products, hides and skins, as well as finished leather goods, ensuring an integrated system that maximised returns and reduced waste.

“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.

Minister Ndhlovu commended the Mutapa Investment Fund for efforts to resuscitate the Cold Storage Commission (CSC) with an injection of US$56.3 million.

He said this will help create employment, expand opportunities for smallholder farmers and position Zimbabwe 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,” he said.

He also highlighted the role being played by development partners, particularly the African Development Bank (AfDB), in supporting the revival and modernisation of the leather sector.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, with the 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.”

The two day workshop is running under the theme: “Strengthening Collaboration to Address Systemic Bottlenecks and Unlock Inclusive Growth in the Leather Value Chain” organised by the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).