The Zimbabwe Leather Development Council (ZLDC) has announced a landmark initiative that will see local leather industry players travel to Italy in July 2025, in a bid to unlock new export markets and forge long-term international partnerships.
The trip, organised in collaboration with United Kingdom-based Zambezi Trade and Investment, Kukura Business Accelerator (KBA), and Italian company NC Leather, forms part of a strategic push to strengthen Zimbabwe’s export capacity and promote value-added goods in global markets.
ZLDC secretary Jacob Nyathi said the visit is aligned with the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (ZLSS) 2021–2030 and the National Export Strategy, both of which aim to position Zimbabwe as a competitive player in the global leather value chain.
“This trip is expected to take place at the end of July 2025, with the objectives to explore market opportunities, establish relationships with potential partners in Italy, and enhance export capacity,” Nyathi said.
Italy, home to some of the world’s most prestigious leather brands and manufacturers, offers a vital gateway for Zimbabwean leather producers seeking to break into the European Union (EU) market. Nyathi highlighted several key benefits expected from the trip, including:
- Market Insights: Zimbabwean leather businesses will gain first-hand exposure to Italian and EU market trends, allowing them to tailor products to meet international standards and consumer preferences.
- Networking Opportunities: The trip will connect local entrepreneurs with potential buyers, industry leaders, and partners, laying the groundwork for future trade relationships.
- Capacity Building: Participants will deepen their knowledge and skills around exporting to high-value markets, improving their competitiveness and sustainability in the long term.
The initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s Second Republic, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is actively promoting the growth of value-added exports to diversify the country’s trade base and reduce reliance on raw materials.
According to ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion agency, the leather industry has been identified as one of the most promising sectors for export growth. With abundant raw materials, growing local expertise, and increasing support from both the public and private sectors, Zimbabwe is well-positioned to become a key supplier of high-quality leather goods.
This Italy trip represents more than just an export mission—it is a bold step toward revitalising the leather value chain, improving international competitiveness, and creating employment across the industry.
As preparations continue, the ZLDC and its partners are urging interested businesses to engage early to secure their spots and maximise the opportunities presented by this strategic engagement.
