COMESA working with the Government of Zimbabwe and through the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) has launched the Zimbabwe Leather Satellite Studio stocked with over 150,000 Euros worth of equipment. This has been made possible through the Technical Assistant Facility (TAF) under the European Union Development Funded (11 EDF), Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP).
The studio, located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is a flagship grassroots initiative designed to empower artisans in the leather sector with modern tools and skills. Equipped with the state-of-the-art machinery, it has the potential to evolve into a satellite centre of excellence for leather development across the COMESA region. The Zimbabwe TAF Project, is building on the achievements of the COMESA-EU funded Regional Integration Support Mechanism (RISM), and continues to strengthen Zimbabwe’s leather value chain, an area prioritized under COMESA’s industrialization agenda.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province State Minister Hon. Judith Ncube attended attended the launch representing the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu. Director of Agriculture and Industry Mrs Providence Mavubi represented COMESA Secretariat.
Speaking on behalf of Hon. Ndlovu, Minister Ncube underscored the significance of the studio as a key initiative to enhance product quality, strengthen design innovation, and improve branding capabilities within Zimbabwe’s leather industry. The Bulawayo studio aligns with the broader vision of the Regional Design Studio in Ethiopia, a flagship project endorsed by the COMESA Council of Ministers meeting held in Madagascar in 2016. “Footwear and leather product sectors are highly fashion-oriented and seasonal, emphasizing design and creative thinking. A dedicated design studio like this will serve as a hub to develop, and perfect new products and branding potential,” Hon. Ndlovu said.
On her part, Mrs Mavubi urged the SMEs to utilize the modern studio, emphasizing their creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. She challenged them to promote Zimbabwe-branded leather products locally and globally, highlighting their quality and innovation.
“Zimbabwe has now acquired advanced equipment to bolster its leather traceability systems. This will enable local products to meet international standards and fetch higher prices. With these systems and the newly established design studio, Zimbabwe is poised to gain a significant competitive edge”, She added.
Speaking at the same event, EDF Programme Manager at COMESA Secretariat, Ms Mshuka Kamwela said the studio belongs to SMEs and entrepreneurs and therefore urged them to jealously guard and maintain the studio and ensure it is a sustainable hub of creativity and excellence.
In his remarks, ALLPI Executive Director, Mr Nicholas Mudungwe said the establishment of the Studio is a shining example of what targeted industrial policy can deliver. A product of partnership – between Zimbabwe, the EU through the RECAMP Programme, COMESA and ALLPI. “This Studio will support skills development, product innovation, and position Zimbabwe as a hub for creative and competitive leather goods in the region and beyond,” Mr Mudungwe noted.
The launch of the Zimbabwe Leather Satellite Studio marks a transformative step toward revitalizing the country’s leather industry and positioning it as a regional leader in value-added production.