South Africa and Namibia mull footwear supply chain

18/10/2023
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has urged Namibian business leaders to help set up a value chain for leathergoods, cementing stronger cross-border coperation.

Speaking at the 3rd South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission Business Forum, he said leather was one area that could benefit from the abundance of raw materials and labour.

“Instead of exporting raw hides and skins to other parts of the world, let us use our resources and capabilities to build a strong regional value-chain,” he said. “The hides can be processed through tanneries and then made into footwear, handbags, leather clothing and other products.

“By working together, we can identify commercially viable projects that are consistent with our policy frameworks and that have high levels of regional content.”

He added that two key decisions had been made at the forum: to attract private investment and set up a platform for “coordinated and concerted actions”, with green hydrogen another industry with potential for growth.