BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Burundi's leather industry is set to become more competitive and transparent thanks to a recent pilot training program focused on hides and hides & skins traceability and eco-certification. From February 10-13, 2025, the Ministry of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism, in collaboration with the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), conducted the training to enhance the leather and hides & skins sector across 14 COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) member countries.
The initiative, funded by the EU through the COMESA 11th EDF Programme, aims to enable buyers to trace the origins of Burundian hides & skins, which are gaining prominence in the regional market. Dr. Jeanine Niyonkomezi, the Director General in charge of industry, emphasized the project's importance for national development, highlighting the significance of traceability.
Jean Prosper Ndayisaba, managing director of the Burundi Prosperity Tannery Industry, echoed this sentiment, noting the initiative’s potential to increase the visibility of Burundian hides & skins and improve understanding of the economic impact of the skin trade.
Expert Michael Kiraye noted the project's origins in 2020 and expressed optimism about its future positive impact. The Burundi Bureau of Standards (BBN) will be responsible for issuing certificates to stakeholders, and ALLPI has already provided essential equipment for the project's implementation. The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Transport, Industry, and Tourism pledged her support, expressing gratitude to ALLPI, COMESA, and the EU for their collaboration. The Burundi traceability code, BU-03-4-2, is intended to help buyers recognize the quality of leather produced by the Burundi Prosperity Tannery.
