Tinotenda Hove

Zimbabwe’s leather industry is poised for a revival, with the government taking concrete steps to revamp the sector. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, recently outlined plans to strengthen the leather value chain during a Parliamentary Question and Answer session.

Ndlovu revealed that the government is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other key ministries to create a robust system for leather production, particularly in rural communities. “Our goal is to empower rural communities to produce high-quality leather, which will not only boost the local economy but also increase our export potential,” he explained.

The minister also expressed optimism about the recovery of local companies like Bata, stating that they are “on the path to recovery.” Furthermore, efforts are being made to expand both domestic and international markets, with a focus on exporting to countries like Zambia.

To support the growth of the leather industry, government departments have been instructed to prioritize local purchases. This move is expected to provide a significant boost to the sector. Additionally, the government is embracing technological advancements to improve security and reduce smuggling.

Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, highlighted the introduction of automated border control systems and online border management systems. “We’re leveraging technology to streamline our border control processes, making it easier for legitimate trade to flourish while preventing smuggling,” Kazembe noted.

The successful implementation of e-visas at major border posts like Victoria Falls and Beitbridge is also expected to facilitate trade and tourism. With these measures in place, Zimbabwe’s leather industry is poised for a significant turnaround.

However, analysts have expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver on these promises. “While the government’s plans sound ambitious, there are serious doubts about their capacity to implement them effectively,” said one analyst. “The government’s track record on similar initiatives has been patchy at best, and there are concerns about the availability of resources and the efficiency of state institutions.”

Others have pointed out that the government’s efforts may be undermined by the country’s ongoing economic challenges, including a severe foreign currency shortage and high inflation. “The leather industry, like many other sectors, is struggling to access foreign currency and raw materials,” said another analyst. “Until these underlying issues are addressed, it’s unlikely that the government’s plans will have a significant impact.”