Maximising exports of leather and related products

Trade Focus

Allan Majuru

Zimbabwe has set an ambitious export target of US$14 billion by 2030, with the diversification of markets and products identified as a key strategy for achieving this goal.

The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, is focusing on expanding the country’s export base beyond traditional goods by promoting value-added products that can create a solid foundation for sustainable export growth.

One of the most promising sectors identified for growth is the leather industry, which offers vast potential for producing value-added goods.

Zimbabwean leather products — renowned for their quality and craftsmanship — include footwear, handbags, belts, upholstery, automotive leather and accessories.

The global leather market is worth approximately US$200 billion annually, according to Trade Map.

Additionally, there is increasing demand for exotic leather such as crocodile, ostrich and elephant skins. Zimbabwe’s high-quality exotic leather positions the country favourably to tap into this lucrative sector.

The National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) prioritises the leather industry as a driver of value-added production and export growth.

The Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021-2030) seeks to reduce dependence on raw hide exports by promoting high-value products such as footwear, garments and accessories.

Several initiatives have already been launched to align the leather sector with this vision, unlocking opportunities for local businesses, particularly small enterprises, to enhance production and develop export-ready products.

These initiatives include technical assistance, training and infrastructure support for small-scale leather producers, who play a significant role in the sector.

The national trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade, is also working closely with groups of producers, with some of the youth-led enterprises under the Eagles’ Next Youth Export Incubation Programme facilitated to exhibit at international exhibitions in Africa and beyond.

ZimTrade is also working with Netherlands-based PUM and Germany-based SES experts to improve production efficiency of local manufacturers so that they prepare for regional and international markets and produce competitive products.

These targeted programmes are improving access to global markets and securing a foothold in the global leather industry, allowing Zimbabwean producers to
compete in regional and international markets.

According to Trade Map, the United States is currently the world’s top importer of leather, followed closely by Germany, France, Japan, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Netherlands and South Korea.

Competitive edge

There is a huge opportunity for the country to capture global attention with its luxury, high-end, value-added leather products. This could transform its leather and related goods industry.

The global luxury market makes emphasis on exclusivity and craftsmanship, with exotic leather like crocodile, ostrich and elephant skins in high demand.

Zimbabwe’s exotic leather, known for its quality and artistry, has already earned recognition among discerning European buyers. These buyers are renowned for their appreciation for premium leather goods.

The country’s competitive advantage in the sector includes high-quality exotic and bovine leather, skilled workforce and strategic location at the centre of regional trade.

According to the Trade Map, for the period 2018-2021, Zimbabwe was the second-largest exporter of raw hides and skins of reptiles, contributing 15 percent of the total world exports.

The United States is the largest exporter of raw exotic leather hides and contributes 49 percent of the global exports.

Figures show that France is Zimbabwe’s principal market. Other promising markets include Italy, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and China.

In the region, Zambia is the prime market, with promising opportunities in countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Accessing international markets

To unlock Zimbabwe’s leather potential, manufacturers must consider undertaking research; analyse competitors; participate in regional and international exhibitions; develop clear export plans; and ensure management commitment, traceability and transparency in the value chain.

Local manufacturers must also ensure compliance with International Organisation for Standardisation yardsticks, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), Leather Working Group certification, and labelling and packaging regulations.

Enhancing quality control and compliance with international standards will allow local producers to assure potential buyers of their product quality and safety.

This commitment to excellence opens access to lucrative markets and also positions Zimbabwe as a reliable supplier in the global leather industry.

Accessing lucrative markets also requires local producers, particularly small enterprises, to strengthen collaborative efforts within the industry.

One key solution is the creation of strong export clusters among like-minded producers. Collaborating in clusters will allow businesses to share resources, knowledge and infrastructure, leading to increased efficiency and competitiveness.

This collective approach enables smaller producers to also pool their capabilities, enhancing their capacity to meet international standards and respond effectively to market demands. In addition, investment in skills development and training, as well as leveraging technology and digital platforms, are essential for boosting productivity and innovation.

Equipping local craftsmen and workers with the latest techniques and technologies will elevate local leather production standards.  Vocational training programmes focusing on leather processing and design can yield a workforce that meets international expectations and supports value-added production.

Leveraging technology, establishing online marketplaces and utilising social media for marketing can help Zimbabwean producers reach global customers directly.

This digital shift can reduce dependence on intermediaries and enable businesses to showcase their unique products directly to a broader audience.

Allan Majuru is the chief executive officer of ZimTrade.