Leather is one of the world’s most widely traded commodities. The trade in leather and leather products — worth more than US$ 60 billion per year — is predicted to grow. The African leather sector is bursting with potential, but there is a wide gap between resources and production. ITC’s development programme has galvanized the sector.

ITC has developed “Leatherline”, a portal responding to the information needs of the leather sector worldwide, and particularly in developing countries.

As the global leather market expands, Africa needs to act now to build on its natural strengths in leather and become a global player. A new federation representing the continent’s leather interests as well as business-focused African trade gatherings are steps in the right direction.

Despite Africa’s importance as a supplier of raw material, it accounts for less than 2% of the world’s leather trade. ITC seeks to increase Africa’s share, especially in the production and trade of finished leather goods, which accounts for over half the value of trade in the leather sector as a whole.