The African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) made a strong impression at the 13th Annual Cotton, Textile, and Apparel (CTA-2025) Conference, held from 1st to 3rd May 2024 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Hosted by the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX), Bahir Dar University, the high-profile event convened stakeholders from across academia, industry, and government to advance innovation and regional collaboration in Africa’s textile and fashion value chains.
ALLPI’s Executive Director, Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe, delivered a compelling keynote address under the theme “Africa’s Industrialization: Our Time is Now.” In his remarks, he underscored the urgency of building robust, sustainable, and competitive value chains in textiles, apparel, leather, and fashion—critical sectors for Africa’s job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Citing successful global examples, Mr. Mudungwe called for strategic industrial policies, increased investment in skills and infrastructure, and regional integration, while praising Ethiopia’s “Tamrit” agenda as a model of homegrown development.
In addition, ALLPI’s Regional Design Studio Project Manager, Mr. Preston Viswamo, used the platform to promote the Real Leather. Stay Different. Africa Leather Design Competition. Supported by the Leather and Hide Council of America, the initiative aims to foster creativity and sustainability among young African designers.
The conference concluded with positive feedback and new collaboration opportunities, including a potential partnership between ALLPI and EiTEX to co-host future regional editions of the CTA conference.
