In order to enhance its global outlook and to widen its mandate inline with the continental dynamics, for example the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite, AUC Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Gaols(SDG), Rising Consumption of Synthetic based footwear and products, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among other factors, it was proposed to rebrand the LLPI to ALLPI. 

The Board of Directors of LLPI recommended that the institution should in its effort to rebrand reflect its Regional and International status, as stipulated under LLPI Charter 9(6), 27(1) to be known as African LLPI. The Board’s recommendation to rebrand LLPI as Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute was approved by the COMESA Policy Organs Meeting that was held in Lusaka, Zambia, 26th October – 3rd November 2017.

The rebranding of the Institute will give a chance for non-COMESA countries to join ALLPI for the development of their respective leather sector.

Prof. Mwinyihija Mwinyikione, Executive Director of ALLPI, was awarded Honorary Doctoral Degree from Sudan University of Science and Technology on Thursday February 15, 2018.

The University conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa on Mwinyihija Mwinyikione for his outstanding contribution for the development of the leather sector in the COMESA region in general in Sudan in particular.

Prof Mwinyihija holds four PhDs, in Environmental Science (Ecotoxicology and Bioremediation related to the Tanning Industry) at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK; DSc in Remediation and Tannery Waste Management from the Atlantic University, USA and two other Doctoral degrees in Management from SMC-University, Switzerland UCN-Nicaragua. He is an internationally recognized Scientist in the field of the leather industry.