SADC to Host First-Ever Regional Leather Forum in Bulawayo
Written by Skyz Metro FM on July 21, 2025
21 July 2025
By Andile Vundla
Bulawayo is set to host the inaugural SADC Regional Leather Forum tommorow which aims at strengthening the leather value chain and boosting industrialisation across Southern Africa.
The one-day Forum is being organised by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), with support from the German government.
It will bring together around 50 delegates including government officials, business leaders, leather industry players, and development partners. The Forum will explore ways to align policies, boost trade, and drive investment in leather production across the SADC region.
Held under the umbrella of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063, the Forum is part of efforts to shift the region from relying solely on raw materials to adding value through manufacturing and innovation.
There will be presentations from the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), while SADC Member States will share updates on how they are implementing the Regional Leather Model Policy Framework.
The German government, through GIZ’s CESARE programme, has already been supporting leather sector upgrades in countries like Botswana and Namibia, including improved tannery facilities and better production standards.
The Forum is expected to produce a regional roadmap that will improve quality, align regulations, and unlock new export markets for African leather goods.
Skyz Metro FM