The African potential in the leather industry is based on its livestock wealth, generally dominated by domestic herds kept by nomadic tribes for traditional purposes rather than for effective production of meat, milk or other products. Parasitic diseases, horn rakes, thorn scratches, brand marks etc. are common, especially in bovines.

Constraints in hides and skins relate to the differences between the potential and the actual recovery of the raw material due to very low off-take levels and low recovery rate and to the poor quality of the recovered material.

The leather sector in the COMESA region features agro-based economies encompassing livestock with great potential for hides and skins supply.

The promotion of cooperation among LLPI member States in training personnel, investment throughout the leather value chain and advancement of research, consultancy and extension and other related services in the region are the major objectives of the Institute.

The current institutional capacity at LLPI requires assistance to implement the envisaged Strategic Plan.