The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) Executive Director (ED), Prof. Mwinyikione Mwinyihija and the Advisor to the ED’s Office, Prof. Mekonnen Hailemariam visited the newly set Mauritius satellite leather design studio, at Coromandel, on May 16, 2018. The ALLPI Team was accompanied by Mr. Dhanraj Conhye, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business, Enterprises and Cooperatives and Mr. Ravin Rampersad, Chief Executive Officer, SME Mauritius Ltd. The site of the Satellite Design Studio and its placement was found convenient for access by the potential users (SMEs) and very much appreciated by the ALLPI Team.
The Design Studio will equip itself as a facility that is responsive to localized and international knowledge transfer and innovation center. It has already a 3D printer. When the Studio becomes fully functional, it is expected that the SMEs will be empowered to manufacture leather footwear and goods of the highest quality, which would be able to penetrate regional and international premium markets.