Building Sustainable and Competitive Leather Value Chains in Africa: The Strategic Role of Public–Private Partnerships

Abstract

This policy brief examines the structural challenges limiting Africa’s participation in the global leather value chain despite its strong livestock resource base. Using ITC Trade Map data (2014–2024), the brief shows that global leather trade has shifted toward higher-value finished products, while Africa remains concentrated in declining raw-material segments with limited gains in value addition. Africa’s leather exports declined significantly over the decade, reflecting weaknesses in industrial capacity, standards systems, financing, infrastructure, and regional market integration.

The brief argues that Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) should be treated as strategic instruments for industrial transformation rather than only financing mechanisms. It highlights the need for coordinated investments in shared infrastructure, standards, skills, environmental compliance, and regional production corridors under AfCFTA. Aligned with the Strategic Framework for the Sustainable Transformation and Competitiveness of Africa’s Leather Value Chain (2025–2036), the brief calls for repositioning leather as a trade, manufacturing, and investment sector capable of driving industrialisation, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth in Africa.