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Zambia will host the 18th Africa Leather Value Chain Forum from 26–28 November 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The high-profile continental summit is expected to attract over 100 delegates representing various segments of the leather value chain across Africa.The 2025 summit will be held under the theme: “Unleashing Africa’s Leather Potential: Sustainable, Inclusive and Competitive.”
During a press briefing, Musokotwane Sichizuwe, Director of Industry in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, announced that the event will be officially officiated by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga. He emphasized that the gathering will serve as a crucial platform for advancing Africa’s leather industry and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Sichizuwe explained that discussions at the forum will centre on key issues such as value addition in leather production, trade facilitation, increasing the sector’s competitiveness, and attracting investment. He highlighted that these priorities align with major continental frameworks including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Deliberations during the forum will focus on adding value to our locally sourced hides and skins, boosting competitiveness, improving access to finance—particularly for SMEs—enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting investment. All these efforts are anchored on continental aspirations under Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA,” he stated.
In addition, more than 40 entrepreneurs from across Africa are expected to exhibit their products. This showcase will offer leather artisans, SMEs, and innovators an opportunity to share knowledge, build networks, and strengthen collaborations with peers in the value chain. The summit is being organized in partnership with the COMESA Secretariat and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).
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Speaking at the same briefing, Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, expressed concern that despite Africa being one of the world’s major livestock producers, the continent accounts for only 3% of the 2.2 billion leather shoes sold globally. He described this as a stark indicator of Africa’s limited participation in global value addition and job creation within the leather industry. He, however, expressed optimism, noting that through enhanced collaboration, capacity-building, and technical knowledge exchange—such as that expected during this forum—Africa could gradually increase its contribution, with an ambitious long-term target of reaching 50% of global leather shoe production.
