Experts from Africa’s leather, fashion, and advocacy sectors discuss the transformative potential of durable design, local production, and strategic policies in driving sustainable growth.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, industry leaders gathered this week for an impactful panel discussion on the future of sustainable fashion and leather industries in Africa. The conversation, hosted by key figures from the Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), Africa Fashion Guide, Pure Power Ltd., and the Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA), brought to light the importance of longevity, local value addition, and collaborative strategies in transforming Africa’s growing leather and fashion sectors. Against a backdrop of rising consumer awareness around sustainability, the experts advocated for a unified industry approach to meet both economic and environmental goals.

Kerry Brozyna, President of the LHCA, opened the discussion by highlighting the increasing pressure on the fashion industry to respond to consumer demands for more responsible practices. “The fashion industry cannot ignore the environmental impact of its actions. Consumers are informed, and change is inevitable. Our responsibility as leaders is to prioritize sustainability over outdated practices,” he asserted.
Brozyna emphasized that today’s consumers are not only more aware of the environmental consequences of their choices but are also willing to hold brands accountable. This shift, he noted, creates an urgent need for brands to adjust their business models to remain relevant. The panel agreed that industry players must adopt new strategies that focus on durability, quality, and conscious production to align with these shifting values.

The panel’s theme delved deeply into the debate between fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how each model impacts the environment. While fast fashion offers affordability and rapid turnover, slow fashion centres on quality and longevity, qualities that resonate with Africa’s rich traditions in leatherwork. Nicholas Mudungwe, Executive Director of ALLPI, shared a personal reflection that underscored the value of slow fashion. “I think back to my grandfather’s single leather jacket, which lasted his entire life. Today, fast consumption dominates, yet we don’t need endless items. Durability and sustainability go hand-in-hand,” he reflected.
Mudungwe’s insights resonated with the audience as he articulated how slow fashion can reduce waste, create jobs, and offer sustainable growth pathways for African economies. He pointed out that a focus on longevity and quality in leather production not only benefits the environment but also strengthens local markets and builds Africa’s reputation as a center of craftsmanship.

The panel also discussed the critical role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in promoting sustainable practices, particularly through collaboration with larger corporations. Yolanda, CEO of Pure Power Ltd., emphasized the need for SMEs to seize opportunities in sustainable production and engage in strategic partnerships. “SMEs have the opportunity to capitalize on sustainability. By being passionate about their creations and developing a compelling narrative, they can build a community that becomes an epicentre for sustainability, influencing larger corporations,” she said.
According to Yolanda, partnerships with established brands can provide SMEs with platforms to amplify their impact, broaden their reach, and gain legitimacy in a competitive market. Collaborations like these, she explained, can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across Africa’s fashion sector, enabling SMEs to access wider audiences and benefit from shared resources.

One of the most compelling parts of the discussion centered on innovation in sustainable design, with Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide, sharing powerful examples of waste-reducing techniques in fashion. Shaw spoke passionately about the transformative potential of creative design, stating, “Reducing waste in fashion design requires creativity and precision. Transformable designs like a flat bag that converts to two different bags are brilliant examples of sustainable use.”
Shaw highlighted how innovative designs that make full use of materials minimize waste, a core tenet of sustainable fashion. Her remarks illustrated how African designers are using creativity to meet sustainability goals while delivering high-quality, versatile products. By finding new ways to work with fabric remnants and leftovers, Shaw noted, designers can reframe waste as a resource, inspiring a more eco-conscious approach to fashion across the continent.

The panelists concluded with a discussion on the importance of government support in advancing Africa’s leather and fashion sectors. Mudungwe cited South Africa’s motor industry as an example of how targeted policies can support local industries and spur economic growth. “Government procurement can drive growth for local industries. Effective policies bring lasting economic benefits when applied strategically,” he argued, calling for African governments to prioritize leather and fashion sectors in their procurement and policy frameworks.
Mudungwe emphasized that policy support for local production is essential to create a competitive industry that thrives in both local and global markets. Government programs aimed at promoting local production, he added, would not only increase job opportunities but would also reinforce Africa’s status as a significant player in the global fashion market.

As the panel drew to a close, the experts reiterated a collective vision for the leather and fashion industries that centers on sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. The path forward, they agreed, requires a commitment to high-quality, durable products that honor both environmental and economic objectives. Their unified message was clear: the time for sustainable transformation in Africa’s leather and fashion sectors is now, with opportunities for growth rooted in durability, creativity, and locally-driven policies.
In the words of Kerry Brozyna, “The durability of leather is what makes it essential for slow fashion—leather products last, they endure, and that’s a powerful message for sustainability.” Shaw’s reflections echoed this sentiment, asserting that, “Sustainable fashion is rooted in a commitment to use every material with purpose, balancing practicality and beauty while minimizing environmental impact.”
The panel left attendees inspired, armed with insights on how Africa’s leather and fashion industries can lead the global push toward sustainability by harnessing tradition, creativity, and collaboration.

1. "The durability of leather is what makes it essential for slow fashion—leather products last, they endure, and that’s a powerful message for sustainability." — Kerry Brozyna

2. "Sustainable fashion is rooted in a commitment to use every material with purpose, balancing practicality and beauty while minimizing environmental impact." — Jacqueline Shaw