The Ethiopia Leather Sector Value Chain Five Year Strategy that was facilitated and fully sponsored by COMESA/LLPI was Launched on 25th November 2016 at Nexus Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Launching Event was graced by H.E. Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and H.E. Prof. Mwinykione Mwinyihija, Executive Director of COMESA - Leather and Leather Products Institute (COMESA/LLPI) and more than 30 participants representing different institutions, organizations and enterprises across the leather value chain.
The Strategy formulation, pre-validation and validation processes were fully participatory, involving sector players across the value chain and stakeholders from Public and Private sectors and Academia.
Mr. Wondu Legesse, Director General of the Ethiopia Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI), during his opening remark emphasized that the Strategy Development Process considered the Global Dynamics in the leather industry and experiences of different countries which progressed in the Industry. He also iterated that Strategy Development by itself is not enough; it must be followed by detailed work plan and implementation. Finally, Mr. Wondu appreciated COMESA/LLPI for the support rendered to the Ethiopia Leather Industry.
Prof. Mwinyihija, during his Strategy Handing over Remark, stressed that COMESA/LLPI in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry will evaluate the implementation of the Strategy annually. He also mentioned that the Ethiopia Leather Industry Association (ELIA) Strategy is also finalized and will also be launched in few weeks time.
H.E. Mr. Tadesse Haile, during his launching remarks expressed his extreme happiness and appreciated the participatory approach that was followed in the development processes of the Strategy. H.E. Mr. Tadesse said that the Strategy will have a great role to play towards achieving the Ethiopian Government’s set GTP II industrialization goals.
H.E. Tadesse thanked COMESA/LLPI for all the support provided to develop the Ethiopia Leather Industry.
The Strategy unpacking meeting will take place soon.