SADC member States have been urged to promote African leather design identity to advance a resilient and global competitive sector in southern Africa amid reports that the global shifts are creating a unique opportunity for the bloc to position itself as a supplier of eco-friendly and traceable products through sustainable practices and regional integration.
The remarks were made last week during the Sadc leather value chain workshop in Bulawayo held under the theme Accelerating Regional Integration: Building Sustainable Partnerships for Leather Value Chain Transformation.
One of the representatives, Daniel Chiwandimira, who was also the facilitator, said promotion of African leather design identity can be achieved through branding and international exposure.
“Establish design studios for youth and small medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) promote regional centres of excellence and leather research institutes,” he said.
“De-risk private investment through public-private partnership, loan guarantees and green bonds.”
Chiwandimira pointed out that mechanisms for sustainable practices adoption are key, noting that the global shifts are creating a unique opportunity for the Sadc region to position itself as a supplier of eco-friendly and traceable leather products through sustainable practices and regional integration.
“Support zero liquid discharge systems, solid waste valourisation and renewable energy in leather processing, help export and importers to meet global green standards,” he said.
“They must develop robust traceability systems meant to establish regional traceability frameworks from livestock to leather products.
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“Leverage digital technologies (blockchain) to ensure compliance. Integrated traceability into nation livestock and leather strategies.”
Chiwandamira emphasised the need to modernise manufacturing and promotion of design excellence by upgrading production infrastructure, automatic cutting and smart stitching technologies.
Another Sadc representative on leather products, Tulo Makwati, emphasised the need to guard against non-tariff barriers (NTB) saying they restrict import and export of goods.
“They affect competitiveness especially for SMEs. The ultimate financial consequences of NTB are borne by consumers,” Makwati said.
