ALLPI AND ACCADEMIA DELLA MODA DELIVERS THE SECOND TRAINING OF TRAINERS-ACCESSORIES MASTER CLASS PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

ALLPI and Academia Della Moda IUAD- Italy signed a memorandum of understanding on the 30^th June 2023. The objective of the MoU is to provide the framework of cooperation between ACCADEMIA DELLA MODA IUAD and ALLPI in enhancing the establishment and operations of the best possible state-of-the-art Regional Design Studio (RDS) in Addis Ababa and the Satellite Design Studios (SDS) in the 10 ALLPI member states. 

Adequate skills in products design is a crucial factor in brand development, market accessibility and overall growth of the leather sector in African countries. By focusing on design- driven products that incorporate aesthetic, functional and durability properties, locally manufactured footwear and leather goods can access new markets and expand existing ones.

The training of trainers Accessories Master class product design and development Part II is an initiative to advance member states SMEs skills in fashion and design for enhanced competitiveness and market access. The 5 days training which was conducted from the 22^nd to 26^th July, 2024  was a continuation of Part I which was conducted in October, 2023 and it drew participants from all the ALLPI member states comprising of Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The training was conducted by Prof. Tommaso Roviello- from Academia Della Moda. 

The Training of Trainers (ToTs) Accessories Master Class Products Design and Development allows designers to express the African culture, traditions, creativity and craftsmanship that incorporate cultural elements into leather products. Well-designed products provide the potential for further investment, job creation, and revenue generation from the leather sector in Africa. 

The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) undertakes the programme with an aim to empower participants with necessary fashion and design skills for the development of regional design studios in the member states. The ToT is designed to create a pool of trainers that will support the ALLPI business model, which focuses on local implementation and sustainable development within the leather industry.