Addis Ababa: The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) successfully hosted its Second Breakfast Meeting with Embassy Representatives of the 21 COMESA Member States on 8th April 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event brought together high-level participants including Ambassadors, representatives of the African Union, development partners, industry experts, and senior government officials under the theme of 'Harnessing Diplomatic Engagement to Drive Intra-African Trade and Value Chain Development.'
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Guest of Honour, Yasmin Wohabrebbi, State Minister at Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, delivered a keynote address that reaffirmed Ethiopia's strategic commitment to industrialisation, regional integration, and inclusive growth. She highlighted the 'Ethiopia Tamrit' or 'Made In Ethiopia' initiative, ongoing investments in industrial parks, urban renewal, and the pivotal role of Ethiopian Airlines in supporting logistics and trade across Africa.
The meeting also featured remarks by Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, and a Vote of Thanks by the Chairperson of ALLPI's Board, Nobby Macharia. Both emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in unlocking Africa's industrial potential, promoting SME competitiveness, and enhancing women and youth employment in the leather value chain.
In a special presentation, ALLPI shared an analysis of the potential and lost opportunities in Africa's leather sector, demonstrating how the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy offers solutions to bridge production gaps and stimulate intra-regional trade. As a key milestone, ALLPI officially launched the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy on 28 March 2025, in Addis Ababa.
The launch was attended by the Secretary General of COMESA, Chileshe Kapwepwe, and Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of Kenya's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Their presence highlighted the commitment to industrial development in the region, a ccording to a press statement issued by ALLPI. The strategy aims to transform the regional leather value chain and position Africa as a global player in the leather market.
Developed through a participatory process, the strategy was funded by the European Union under the RECAMP (Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme). The meeting also included a panel of experts who provided insights on strengthening the performance of COMESA and Africa's leather value chain.
The experts stressed the need for harmonized policies and quality standards across Member States, as well as improving regional logistics and customs integration. The panel also called for structured collaboration with diplomatic missions to facilitate investment, trade missions, and business matchmaking.
In closing, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of COMESA Member States and diplomatic missions to work with ALLPI in building a resilient, inclusive, and competitive leather sector. This effort aims to drive value addition, empower local producers, and serve as a model for broader industrial development across Africa.