20th April 2026, Arusha, Tanzania:- The East African Business Council participate in the EAC Regional Leather Platform Meeting organized by EU-EAC MARKUP II Programme to validate the Mid-Term Review Report of the EAC Leather and Leather Products Strategy (2020–2030) on 20th–21st April 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania.
Summary of the EAC Mid-Term Review Report
The Mid-Term Review report indicates that the EAC leather sector continues to underperform despite its strong resource potential. The region has a limited presence in global leather markets, particularly in higher-value finished products, where global demand is increasingly concentrated.
At the same time, regional demand for leather goods, especially footwear is rising rapidly. However, this demand is largely met through imports, mainly from Asia, highlighting a significant gap in local production and value addition.
Industrial capacity across the region remains weak, with low utilization levels, significant raw material losses, and poor hide quality that falls short of the standards required for competitive production. In addition, complex and lengthy trade procedures continue to constrain efficiency and competitiveness across the value chain.
Recommendations
- Accelerate downstream industrialization and value addition
- Gradually reduce export levies over a five-year period
- Increase capacity utilization across processing facilities
- Reduce raw material waste and improve efficiency
- Streamline trade processes to reduce delays and administrative burdens
- Operationalize financing mechanisms, including Leather Development Funds
- Invest in industrial parks, infrastructure, and skills development
- Enforce quality standards and grading systems
- Leverage public procurement to support local industry
- Promote local content to stimulate demand and drive value addition
The European Union (EU)- East African Community (EAC) MARKUP II funded by the EU, aims to enhance economic development in the EAC through sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade. It is implemented by the International Trade Centre in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and national partners in the recipient countries. Visit www.eacmarkup.org.
