Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8th April 2025

The Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI) successfully hosted its Second Breakfast Meeting with Embassy Representatives of COMESA Member States at the Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, under the theme “Harnessing Diplomatic Engagement to Drive Intra-African Trade and Value Chain Development.” The high-level forum brought together Ambassadors, AU officials, development partners, and industry leaders to advance Africa’s leather sector through the COMESA Leather Value Chain Strategy and the AfCFTA framework.

Guest of Honour H.E. Yasmin Wohabrebbi, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, underscored the nation’s dedication to industrialization through initiatives like “Ethiopia Tamrit,” which prioritizes value addition, youth employment, and industrial park development. She highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ vast network as a logistical asset for regional trade, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a leather sector leader.

Mr. Nicholas Mudungwe, ALLPI Executive Director, emphasized economic diplomacy as a catalyst for unlocking Africa’s leather potential, while Board Chairperson Mr. Nobby Macharia called for stronger SME and youth inclusion. A highlight was the showcase of Ethiopian leather products by 10 local producers, mostly women-led SMEs, demonstrating the sector’s quality and export readiness.