Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) facilitated experience sharing and learning visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) delegation to the Ethiopian leather sector from August 22 to 29, 2022. The delegation was led by Mr Nicolas KALIMIRA KABAGAYA, Assistant Director General, “AgenceNationale de Development de l’Entrepreneuriat Congolais” (ANADEC) and composed of Mr Pascal BAKOLE NYIME, Advisor to the State Minister; Mr Modeste KAMBALA KALALA, head for the Design and Implementation of  SMEs incubation Centers; Mr. Jeru MATUNGULU TSHIMBALANGA, Expert at ANADEC and Mr. Roger MVIDI MUKULU, Manager of SMEs Incubation Center.

The DRC delegation started its mission activities with courtesy call to ALLPI Executive Director at ALLPI headquarters and meeting and discussion with ALLPI Management and Experts.  This was followed by activities that focused on visiting tanneries processing hides and skins to finished leather,follow-up of shoe manufacturing process and hands-on training in Shoemaking Machines handling and Maintenance.The delegation visiteda total of 5 tanneries (Colba Tannery, Mojo Tannery, Awash tannery, Batu Tannery and LIDI tannery department) and 4 shoe factories (Fontanian Shoe Factory, Universal leather Products Factory, Yaha footwear manufacturing company and LIDI Footwear department) to observe and learn from the facilities reach experience. Two of the delegation members were also trained in Shoemaking Machines handling and minor Maintenance at Fonanina Shoe factory from 23 to 29 August 2022.