The 9th Edition of All African Leather Fair Concluded with Success

The 9th Edition of the All Africa Leather Fair (AALF-2017) that was held from 17th -19th March 2017, was successfully conducted by bringing together tanners, footwear and other leather goods manufacturers, equipment and technology suppliers, chemical and inputs suppliers, manpower training institutions, trade promotion organizations, etc from all over the world.

The Fair was graced by H.E. Mr. Bogale Feleke, State Minister, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopia; H.E. Eng. Abdalla Ahmed Ahmad, Minister, Ministry of Industry & Investment, Sudan and  Prof. Mwinyikione Mwinyihija, Executive Director of COMESA/LLPI. H.E. Mr. Bogale Feleke, State Minister, in his opening speech reiterated the importance of the leather sector in Ethiopian economy and the significance of the fair for experience sharing and  market linkages between enterprises within and outside Africa.

Prof.Mwinyihija, (Executive Director of COMESA/LLPI), during his opening remarks said that the 9th edition of the AALF differs form previous editions in such a way that there is a new characteristic that we are bringing into this Fair. We have investors amongst us; so there is investment discussion that is to be held. We have buyers amongst us; there are entrepreneurial activities that are to be dealt with. There are principal development partners; and there will be also a lot of developmental aspects that are going to be discussed. Prof. Mwinyihija also indicated that by bring all these together we will achieve the transformational growth that Africa is looking forward.

Prof. Mwinyihija also forwarded some statistical data showing the gaps in terms of trading in Africa. He explained that Africa is divided into several Regional Economic Communities (RECs). The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) contains representing 53.2 million population with the GDP of 427.7 Billion USD trading 3% within Africa; Economic Communities of West African States (ECOWAS) is with a population of 325 million and a GDP of 312 Billion USD trading 9.4% within Africa. Economic Communities of Central African States (ECCAS) is with a population of 46.6 million and a GDP of 257.8 billion USD trading only 2% in Africa. The Tripartite COMESA-EAC-SADC has a population size of 632 million and 1.3 trillion USD GDP and trades 10.4% in Africa. For purpose of comparison, Latin America trades about 25% within themselves; and Europe and Asia more than 50% within themselves. He emphasized on the importance of translating the leather sector’s potential into an opportunity to serve the African Youth who are dying while crossing the Mediterranean See to Europe.

Prof. Mwinyihija also articulated that with per capita consumption of 1 pair per person per year, Africa demands almost 1 billion pair of shoe per year. However, the production within Africa is only 200 million pairs per anum and there is a deficit of 800 million pairs per Annam. He pronounced that the leather sector has a huge potential in creating wealth, poverty reduction, and employment generation which in turn will have a trickling down effect to the rural producer level.

COMESA/LLPI in collaboration with the RISM program of the COMESA Adjustment Facility supported about 14 participants from public and private sector to participate in the Fair from seven COMESA countries namely; Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.