The Ethiopia Leather Value Chain Strategy (2016-2020) unpacking workshop was held on February 10, 2017 at Nexus hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. COMESA/LLPI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry of the Government of Ethiopia facilitated the development of the Strategy and also organized the unpacking workshop.
Participants of the workshop were drawn from different public, private institutions and associations.
The objective of the Workshop was to streamline accountability and responsibilities of the different government and private institutions/organizations and stakeholders in the implementation of the Leather Value Chain Strategic Objectives stated in the Strategy Document.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Wondu Legesse, Director General of the Ethiopian Leather Industry Development Institute (LIDI). Mr. Wondu, during his opening remarks, highlighted that designing a strategy is one phase, however, implementing the strategy is usually the most difficult part as it involves a number of stakeholders (public, private, academia and partner organizations). Mr. Wondu reiterated, the importance of the unpacking exercise to make the strategy operational. Mr. Wondu thanked COMESA/LLPI for its unwavering support and expressed LIDI’s commitment to knock the doors of each and every stakeholder to realize the Mission, Vision and Objectives of the Leather Strategy.
Prof. Mwinykione Mwinyihija, Executive Director of COMESA/LLPI, in his climate setting speech appreciated the Ethiopian Government and LIDI to have made concerted efforts to develop the leather industry. Prof. Mwinyihija emphasized that the unpacking exercise was practiced in different Member States and positively impacted the implementation of the strategies. Finally, the ED confirmed COMESA/LLPI’s devotion to work hand in hand with the Ethiopia Government to implement the Strategy.
With the participatory approach using group activities, the responsibility matrix was prepared. The matrix will be distributed to the respective stakeholders as part of the Strategy implementation mechanism.
It is to be recalled that the Ethiopia Leather Value Chain Strategy was launched on 25th November 2016 by H.E. Tadesse Haile, State Minister, Ministry of Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.