The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) made a strong impression at the 13th Annual Cotton, Textile, and Apparel (CTA-2025) Conference, held from 1st to 3rd May 2024 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Hosted by the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, the high-profile event convened stakeholders from across academia, industry, and government to advance innovation and regional collaboration in Africa’s textile and fashion value chains.

ALLPI’s Executive Director, Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe, delivered a compelling keynote address under the theme “Africa’s Industrialization: Our Time is Now.” In his remarks, he underscored the urgency of building robust, sustainable, and competitive value chains in textiles, apparel, leather, and fashion—critical sectors for Africa’s job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The 4th edition of Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) which ran through April 24th to 26th 2025, at Arabuko Hall, Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi was concluded to have global business linkages in the Textile and leather sector. This three-day conference and exhibition, brings together key industry stakeholders and thought leaders from around the globe to explore the vast potential of Africa manufacturing sector in general and Leather in particular.

Previously known as the East Africa Textile & Leather Week (EATLW), this event has rebranded and aligned with the prestigious ASFW global brand. Originating from Addis Ababa, ASFW has long been recognized as Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest sourcing event, bringing together thousands of industry professionals each year.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8th April 2025

The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) successfully hosted its Second Breakfast Meeting with Embassy Representatives of COMESA Member States at the Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, under the theme “Harnessing Diplomatic Engagement to Drive Intra-African Trade and Value Chain Development.” The high-level forum brought together Ambassadors, AU officials, development partners, and industry leaders to advance Africa’s leather sector through the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy and the AfCFTA framework.

Guest of Honour H.E. Yasmin Wohabrebbi, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, underscored the nation’s dedication to industrialization through initiatives like “Ethiopia Tamrit,” which prioritizes value addition, youth employment, and industrial park development. She highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ vast network as a logistical asset for regional trade, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a leather sector leader.

Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe, ALLPI Executive Director, emphasized economic diplomacy as a catalyst for unlocking Africa’s leather potential, while Board Chairperson Mr. Nobby Macharia called for stronger SME and youth inclusion. A highlight was the showcase of Ethiopian leather products by 10 local producers, mostly women-led SMEs, demonstrating the sector’s quality and export readiness.

The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) played a key role in the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit, held for the first time in Africa from 9-10 April 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. Co-hosted by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and Absa Bank Kenya, the summit convened over 70 countries under the theme “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable,” aligning with the AfCFTA’s vision for trade-led growth.

Represented by Executive Director Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe and Trade Expert Mrs. Birkinesh Gonfa, ALLPI contributed to critical discussions on leveraging AfCFTA, digital transformation, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable trade. The summit emphasized innovation, inclusive finance, and SME digitalization, with Kenya’s President Ruto highlighting chambers of commerce as key drivers of trade integration. Absa Bank Kenya’s Elizabeth Wasunna also commended the platform for advancing Africa’s trade dialogue.

Nairobi, Kenya was the center stage for a pivotal moment in the region's leather industry, culminating in the official launch of the COMESA Regional Leather Value Chain Strategy (2025-2029) on March 28, 2025. Preceding the launch, a focused two-day dialogue workshop, organized by the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), was conducted from March 27-28. The workshop serves to introduce and deliberate on the new five-year strategic plan designed to elevate the leather sector across the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).