SMALL and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe’s leather industry are expected to gain significant ground through the newly-launched Leather Design Studio, a modern creative facility aimed at revitalising the sector.
The project, spearheaded by the Leather Institute of Zimbabwe and supported by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa with funding from the European Union, is seen as a direct response to the persistent challenges faced by local producers.
Speaking at the launch, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Judith Ncube emphasised the studio’s role as a critical resource for innovation and growth.
“The establishment of Regional and Member State Satellite Design Studios is rooted in the deep understanding of the challenges faced by SMEs within the leather and footwear industries,” she said.
Ncube said SMEs often struggled with access to bulk inputs, limited resources and market constraints, all of which affect their ability to compete both locally and internationally.
“A dedicated design studio like this one serves as a hub where designers can conceive, develop and perfect new products here in Zimbabwe, enhancing originality, technical expertise, and branding potential,” she said.
The design studio is expected to foster creativity and technical advancement within an industry that is heavily influenced by fashion trends and seasonal demands.
By offering a platform for product innovation, the facility is poised to help SMEs to introduce distinctive and high-quality leather products aligned with international standards.
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The initiative is also part of Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to revitalising its leather sector through the Zimbabwe Leather Strategy (2021-30), which aims to transform the industry to a globally competitive value chain.
“Let’s give due recognition that Zimbabwe has set a strong foundation for its leather industry,” Ncube said, pointing to structured leather clusters and the involvement of livestock farmers as key strengths.
“Obsolete equipment, high production costs and low technical capacity further constrain industry expansion and product diversification.”
She said, despite these hurdles, the industry held great promise, particularly given the growing local demand for school shoes and other leather goods.
“There is increasing demand for locally-manufactured leather products, especially within the public and security sectors,” she said, adding that this opened opportunities for both import substitution and export growth.
"Strategic regional collaborations, public-private partnerships, and active participation in standards will be key to unlocking the full potential of the sector,” she said.
