Zambia’s leather exports triple

ZAMBIA’S leather exports have grown three-fold to US$10 million over the last few years, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) director of export promotion and market development, Glyne Michelo has said. And Western Province Permanent Secretary Ikanuke Noyoo said the leather industry was faced with a number of challenges including inadequate expertise in leather processing and inferior technology.

Mr Michelo said in Lusaka yesterday the country’s leather exports had grown to $10 million in 2008 from a total of $3.5 million in 2003.

He said the major products exported from leather included crocodile skins, wet blue leather, crust and finished products such as footwear.