The COMESA-Leather and Leather Products Institute’s team composed of the Institute’s Executive Director, Prof. Mwinyihija Mwinyikione, and the Leather Value Chain Expert and Personal Assistant to the Executive Director, Prof. Mekonnen Hailemariam, attended the 2nd Leather Technology Seminar held during the Indian International Leather Fair 2016 from February 1 to 3 at Chennai, India.
The Seminar was organized by the Chennai Institute of Leather Technology Aluminai Association that has a membership of more than 600 tannery owners. Prof. Mwinyihija made a presentation entitled “Realigning Africa Union Vision to development in the continent with special focus to the leather sector. Prof. Mwinyihija, in his presentation discussed the Africa’s land mass and demographic features, potential in different commodities, African Union Agenda 2063 Vision and priorities, potential of the Leather sector and investment opportunities. His presentation was followed by Mr. Yassin Awale’s (Special Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary of Industrialization and Enterprise Development) presentation entitled “Concrete pathways towards Investment Opportunities in the Kenya’s Leather Sector”. Both presentations were followed by question and answer sessions that gave more insight to participants on possible investment opportunities in the region and in Kenya. The Team also met and held bilateral discussions with various institutions representatives and tannery owners on areas of future collaborations and arrangement of business tour to the region.
