Italy has committed to supporting the revival of Kenya’s leather and tanning sector, with Equity Group named as the strategic financial partner. The initiative also aims to strengthen the industry across East and Central Africa.

Kenya’s Ministries of Agriculture & Livestock Development and Investment, Trade & Industry welcomed the partnership, which focuses on improving skills, infrastructure and global market access within the leather value chain.

A recent visiting Italian delegation included representatives from UNPAC (Italian Leather Chemicals Manufacturers), UNIC (Italian Tanners’ Association), ICEC (Italian Leather Quality Certification Institute) and ASSOMAC (Italian Footwear, Leather Goods and Tanning Machinery Manufacturers).

Agostino Apolito, general director of ASSOMAC, said: “Italy is a global leader in the leather products industry and we want to work with Kenyan and African farmers and other leather industry players to support them through skills and technology transfer and enhanced European market access.”

Equity Group presented its Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan as part of efforts to unlock investment potential in Kenya’s leather sector, highlighting opportunities in processing and value addition.

The initiative builds on a recent agreement between Equity and the Kenya Investment Authority, aimed at positioning Kenya as a regional leather hub.