SADC and Germany Unite to Revolutionise Leather Industry at Historic Bulawayo Forum

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in partnership with the German government, is set to host the inaugural SADC Regional Leather Forum in Bulawayo.

This landmark event, scheduled to kick off soon, marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards economic diversification and value-added production.

The forum, a cornerstone of SADC’s Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015–2063), aims to shift the region’s economy from resource dependency to a robust, productivity-driven model.

By focusing on the leather value chain, SADC seeks to unlock new opportunities for investment, innovation, and cross-border trade, positioning the sector as a key driver of sustainable growth.

Under the SADC-German Cooperation framework, implemented through the GIZ-led CESARE programme, Germany has already made significant strides in supporting the leather industry.

Investments have upgraded tanneries in southern Africa, elevated production standards, and fortified business operations, laying a solid foundation for the forum’s objectives.

These efforts underscore a shared vision to enhance the competitiveness of the leather sector, not just within SADC but on a global scale.

The Bulawayo forum is more than a meeting; it’s a strategic platform designed to align regional policies, assess the progress of the SADC Leather Regional Model Policy Framework, and chart a course for future action.

Stakeholders from across the region will converge to discuss critical issues, from policy harmonisation to improving product quality and expanding export markets.

The anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive roadmap that promises to boost the leather industry’s profile, both continentally and internationally.

This initiative reflects a broader trend of international cooperation in African industrialisation. As global demand for high-quality leather products rises, SADC’s focus on value addition could not be timelier. The forum’s emphasis on innovation and trade facilitation is expected to create ripple effects, benefiting not only the leather sector but also ancillary industries and local communities.

For Bulawayo, a city with a rich history in leather production in Zimbabwe, the forum represents a renaissance. It offers a chance to reclaim and expand its role as a hub for leather manufacturing, potentially attracting new foreign direct investment (FDI) and fostering job creation. The event’s location in Bulawayo is symbolic, signalling a commitment to regional balance and inclusive growth.

As SADC and Germany join forces, the message is clear: the future of the leather industry lies in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Bulawayo forum is set to be a game-changer, not just for the leather sector, but for the entire region’s industrial landscape. Stay tuned as this historic gathering unfolds, promising to reshape the contours of SADC’s economic future.