Top 15 Largest Leathers Producing Countries in Africa 2024

Largest Leathers Producing Countries in Africa 2024 – Largest Leathers Producing Countries in Africa 2023Africa possesses enormous leather potential owing to its large livestock population. However, production is centered in a few countries with developed capabilities. Information Guide Nigeria

This article profiles the top 15 African nations in leather production measured in square meters of finished leather. It analyzes their industry characteristics, competitive advantages, and future growth prospects.

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The Top 15 Largest Leathers Producing Countries in Africa in 2023 Are:

1. Egypt – The Continental Leader

With annual production of 45 million square meters, Egypt leads Africa in leather manufacturing. The country has a robust leather industry comprising tanneries, footwear and leather goods producers. Egypt’s proximity to the vast sheep and goat populations of the Middle East ensures steady access to skins. The country has also cultivated strong technical skills in leather making. Large investments in modern tanneries enable the export of quality finished leather in addition to shoes and bags. The leather clusters around Cairo and Alexandria harbor design expertise and economical production. Egypt is strengthening its industry leadership through continued upgrades. Largest Leathers Producing Countries

2. Ethiopia – Leveraging a Livestock Advantage

Ethiopia produces 36 million square meters of leather annually, making it Africa’s second largest producer. The country possesses abundant livestock with one of the continent’s largest cattle populations. Hides and skins are plentiful for leather production. Recent investments in integrated tanneries have expanded export capabilities, in addition to leather footwear production. Ethiopia’s leather industry provides considerable employment in tanning and manufacturing. With greater policy support, the country can leverage its rich raw material resources for export-led industry growth.

3. South Africa – Focus on Quality and Capability Building

South Africa accounts for an annual leather output of 30 million square meters. The country has a diversified industrial base including chemicals, footwear, and automotive sectors supporting its leather industry. South African tanneries are equipped to produce high-quality leather compliant with international environmental norms. The country also manufactures leather products for export including footwear, garments, upholstery and accessories. Investments in skills training and technology upgrading are enhancing South Africa’s leather sector competitiveness.

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4. Morocco – Strategically Built Capabilities

With annual production of 25 million square meters, Morocco is a leading African leather producer. The country strategically invested in leather to create jobs and exports. Morocco has large modern tanneries built through partnerships with European companies. Strong chemical and textile industries also aid leather production. Moroccan leather is noted for quality, and manufactured into diverse apparel, bags, shoes and furniture. The country has cultivated design expertise for appealing exportable products. Further growth will come from embedding sustainability across the value chain. 15 Best Radiant Skin Products

5. Nigeria – Expanding Production

Nigeria produces around 20 million square meters of leather each year. As the continent’s largest cattle producer, Nigeria possesses abundant hides and skins for leather making. The country has several tanneries focused on exports in addition to leather products manufacturing mainly for the domestic market. Investments in integrated production facilities, skill training institutes and effluent plants are expanding capacity. With its large population and improving economy, Nigeria has major potential to grow its domestic and export leather industry.

6. Kenya – Leveraging Local Materials

With a production of 15 million square meters annually, Kenya has grown into a regional leader in leather. The country has a vibrant local industry using domestically sourced hides and skins. Product development capabilities enable the export of finished leather along with innovative products. Kenyan leather goods are known for contemporary designs combining tribal motifs and materials with modern functionality. Proximity to European markets is an advantage. However, competition from cheap imports necessitates further upgrading and differentiation. 15 Best Glow-Enhancing Moisturizers

7. Tanzania – Emerging Exporter

Tanzania produces around 12 million square meters of leather each year. It has a large livestock population ensuring steady availability of hides and skins. Recent investments in integrated tanneries have expanded export capabilities. Tanzania also manufactures leather consumer goods using improved production technologies. Sustained investments in capabilities can help Tanzanian companies access export markets. Adoption of global environmental practices remains a priority for the fast-developing sector.

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8. Uganda – Growing Through Quality Focus

With annual output reaching 10 million square meters, Uganda is steadily growing its leather industry. The country possesses abundant cattle stock and resources for leather production. However, the focus has been on improving quality to achieve export competitiveness. Ugandan tanneries are adopting clean technologies and building effluent plants. Linkages with development partners have helped enhance leather quality. Investment in skills training and testing facilities is still required for Uganda to fulfill its potential. NYSC Portal

9. Sudan – Realizing Untapped Potential

Sudan produces around 9 million square meters of leather annually. However, this remains below potential considering its massive livestock wealth. Most Sudanese leather comes from small tanneries using artisanal techniques. Modernization of tanneries along with product development capabilities can significantly boost output and exports. Sustained investments and policy coordination are required for Sudan to develop an integrated, globally competitive leather industry.

10. Algeria – Expanding Production Scale

Algeria accounts for 8 million square meters of annual leather production. The country possesses growing leather industries centered around key port cities. Algerian tanneries still use somewhat outdated technologies necessitating upgrades and expansion. There is also a need to improve product design skills to support exports. Compliance with international quality and environmental standards remains a priority. Algeria requires strategic development of its leather sector to benefit from market access to Europe. JAMB Portal

11. Mozambique – Leveraging Livestock Assets

Mozambique produces around 7 million square meters of leather each year. The country has a large livestock population that remains underutilized by the nascent leather industry. However, recent foreign investments in integrated tanning facilities are expanding export capabilities. Sustained support is required for skills training, technology adoption, and access to affordable finance, for small producers. Mozambique provides a strategic base for leather production to service South African and European markets.

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12. Somalia – Artisanal Talent and Untapped Potential

With an annual output of 6 million square meters, Somalia possesses a long tradition of leather craftsmanship. The country has a largely informal industry comprising small workshops utilizing artisanal skills. However, chronic political instability has prevented development of a modern sector. Somalia holds tremendous potential to grow into a much larger producer and exporter of leather and associated products. Sustaining peace and making strategic investments are key prerequisites. JAMB Result

13. Madagascar – Expanding Production

Madagascar accounts for around 5 million square meters of annual leather production. The country has a long tradition of zebu cattle rearing providing hides for tanneries. However, outdated production technologies and lack of sustained investments limit export competitiveness. Recent inflows of foreign capital are helping upgrade capabilities. Madagascar must focus on infrastructure, skills development and access to affordable credit to realize its potential in leather. 200 romantic love message for her

14. Zimbabwe – Blending Tradition and Technology

Zimbabwe’s leather industry generates around 4 million square meters of output annually. The country has a vibrant local sector comprising small-scale tanneries and workshops. Zimbabwean leather goods incorporating Shona artistic motifs are globally renowned. However, production remains constrained by limited investments in technology and effluent systems. Further integration of traditional skills with technology upgrades can boost the industry’s production and export capabilities. 105 good morning messages

15. Botswana – Emerging Industry

Botswana produces approximately 3 million square meters of leather each year. The country has a fledgling leather industry that is now receiving strategic policy support. Recent partnerships with South African companies are helping build integrated tanning and manufacturing capacity. Botswana provides access to the large regional market. With sustained investments in infrastructure and skills development, the country can establish a competitive leather industry.

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Conclusion

Africa possesses tremendous scope for leather industry development given its rich livestock assets. The top-producing nations have built capabilities across the value chain spanning raw materials, tanning, product design and manufacturing. However, production remains limited in most countries. Strategic efforts in infrastructure, skills development, access to finance and technology adoption can help Africa fulfill its enormous potential in the global leather sector.

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