Zambia Unveils Leather Design Hub to Boost Jobs and Exports
The Zambian government has launched a Satellite Leather Design and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Incubation Center at Cooperative College in Lusaka, aimed at revitalizing the country’s leather sector and fostering enterprise development.
The initiative is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the COMESA Secretariat, and the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI).
The new center is expected to enhance design and production capabilities among MSMEs and improve the competitiveness of Zambian leather products in both local and global markets.
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honor, Permanent Secretary for Small and Medium Enterprise Development Mrs. Subeta Mutelo, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises Ms.
Bernadette Mwakacheya said the launch marks a bold step toward industrialization, dignified job creation, and enterprise resilience in Zambia.
She emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive sustainable growth in the leather value chain.
Meanwhile, Mr. Crusivia Hichikumba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, noted that the center will play a key role in improving the design quality of leather goods.
Represented by Director of Industry Mr. Musokotwane Sichizuwe, Mr. Hichikumba also highlighted government measures supporting the sector, including the suspension of customs duties on imported raw materials and legislative reforms favoring the procurement of locally made products.
