By Italy Commits to Reviving Kenya’s Leather Industry
Strategic Partnership with Equity Bank
Italy has pledged to help revive Kenya’s leather and tanning industry, working alongside Equity Bank as the key financial partner. The announcement was made during a stakeholder meeting at Equity Centre in Nairobi.
Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, said the move aims to strengthen ties between the two countries and revitalize the leather industry across East and Central Africa.
“A delegation of Italian leather experts is here with me,” he said. “We’re exploring ways to build capacity, establish new tanneries, and improve the supply chain. Kenya wastes over five million animal skins every year—we want to change that.”
He emphasized Italy’s commitment to share knowledge, best practices, and technology with Kenyan industry players.
Kenya’s Position as a Leather Hub
Ambassador Natali noted Kenya’s advantage in livestock numbers and a growing industrial base. He said the country is well-placed to become a regional hub for leather production and value-added goods.
“These partnerships support job creation for youth,” he added. “Our visit includes field tours to smallholder farms, slaughterhouses, leather processors, and manufacturers.”
Government Support for Leather Sector
The Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock, and Trade, Investment and Industry, welcomed the collaboration. Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, through Kenya Leather Development Council CEO Dr. Isaack Noor, affirmed the government’s support.
Italy Commits to Reviving Kenya’s Leather Industry
“We are focused on increasing the supply of quality hides by training staff and developing infrastructure,” said Dr. Noor. “Projects like the Kenanie Leather Industrial Park will help farmers aggregate products, while global agreements and skills training will unlock more value.”
He also reassured investors that the government offers strong legal backing through the Foreign Investment Protection Act, Investment Promotion Act, and Investment Dispute Convention Act.
Equity’s Financial Role in Reviving the Sector
Equity Group Chief Strategy Officer Brent Malahay highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting the leather industry through its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP). He said Kenya shows strong potential in 12 key sectors, including leather.
“Kenya can become a global leader in leather production,” said Malahay. “We support thousands of businesses through financial and insurance products, and we are ready to partner with local players.”
He invited investors to collaborate with Equity, noting that the country has 13 large tanneries with an annual capacity of 31,440 tonnes of hides and 15.6 tonnes of skins. In addition, there are 49 large, 322 medium, and 1,735 small slaughter facilities.
Italian Delegation Offers Expertise
Specialists from Italy—including machine, chemical, and technology manufacturers—expressed readiness to help build a sustainable value chain in Kenya. Delegates represented top Italian associations like UNPAC, UNIC, and ICEC.
They conducted field visits to players such as Farmers Choice, Reddamac Leather Centre, Ikwetta, and Alpharama to understand the local market better.
Agostino Apolito, General Director of ASSOMAC, emphasized the benefits to Kenyan farmers and traders.
“Italy leads globally in leather production,” he said. “We want to work with African stakeholders to transfer skills, share technology, and open access to European markets.”
Industry Response and Equity’s Broader Vision
Local players welcomed the initiative. Alpharama Tannery’s Managing Director, Sambasiva Rao Pamidimukkala, praised Equity’s support in expanding their operations across East Africa and into the global market.
“We support farmers in maintaining quality and look forward to expanding our reach,” said Rao.
The visit builds on earlier stakeholder engagements and follows a cooperation agreement between Equity and the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.
Equity’s partnership with KenInvest aims to revitalize investment across several sectors—starting with leather. Through these efforts, Equity positions itself as a key driver of transformation in Kenya’s leather industry, paving the way for a competitive and sustainable future.
https://africabusinessnews.co.ke/equity-bank-sponsors-muranga-investment-forum-with-sh15m-boost/
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