Gweru, Zimbabwe In a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s leather sector, the National Trade Development and Promotion Agency, ZimTrade, has announced a partnership with Bata Shoe Company. This collaboration aims to unlock new markets for locally manufactured footwear and elevate the country’s standing in the global marketplace.
The leather industry is recognized as a priority value chain with significant export potential. A recent survey conducted by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) revealed that Zimbabwe imported nearly US$4 million worth of leather products between 2021 and 2023, highlighting a substantial opportunity for local manufacturers.
Bata, Zimbabwe’s leading footwear producer, has already made strides in exporting its products across the region, including countries like Malawi and Zambia. However, the company has faced challenges due to an influx of cheap imports, which has adversely affected its operational capacity over the years.
Bata Shoe Company Employees and the Shoe-Making Machinery Commissioned by President Mnangagwa
ZimTrade recently visited Bata’s facilities in Gweru, where discussions revolved around potential partnerships to reposition the leather sector. “We had the privilege of visiting Bata, known for its diverse and high-quality products,” ZimTrade stated in its latest update. “Through our new strategy, we’re proud to partner with Bata to unlock new market opportunities and strengthen its presence in Central Africa and beyond.”
In a significant vote of confidence in the economy, Bata Shoe Company invested over US$5 million in new plant and machinery in 2022. This investment included the installation of a polyurethane pouring plant, enabling the production of safety shoes that the company previously imported.
While Bata management was unavailable for immediate comment due to ongoing meetings, their efforts to collaborate with ZimTrade signal a proactive approach to tackling market challenges.
The launch of the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy (2021-2030) further illustrates the government’s commitment to transforming the leather industry from a producer of primary products to one focused on value-added goods for both domestic and international markets. ZimTrade is actively working with the leather cluster under the “Zimbabwe Leather Collective (ZLC),” an initiative designed to enhance collective marketing efforts for leather products.
The overarching goal of the Zimbabwe Leather Sector Strategy is to improve the competitiveness of the leather value chain. By 2030, the strategy aims to increase the capacity utilization of value-added products from 30% to 75% and boost the adoption of sustainable production technologies among manufacturers from 10% to 60%.
Through this partnership, ZimTrade and Bata are poised to accelerate growth in the leather sector, positioning Zimbabwean footwear competitively on the global stage and paving the way for a more robust export market.
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