TIRDO unveils leather, textile lab

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Industry Research Development Organisation (TIRDO) has launched a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to research and train the public in the leather and textile sectors.

In particular, the initiative aims to attract local and foreign investors to bolster the country’s leather industry.

TIRDO Mechanical Engineer Paul Kimath highlighted the significant growth potential of Tanzania’s leather sector, given that the country has the second-largest livestock population in Africa, after Ethiopia.

“Hides, skins, and leather processing are vital components of our livestock industry, holding immense potential for economic development,” said Mr Kimath on Wednesday at the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).

Despite the country’s vast livestock resources, investment in the leather sector has been minimal, primarily due to a lack of awareness of its importance.

“We have established this laboratory with cutting-edge facilities to educate business people about the value of leather. We want them to come and learn from us,” Kimath stressed.

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He also urged those importing unprocessed leather to visit TIRDO and benefit from their expert training.

Additionally, TIRDO has empowered four staff members who underwent extensive training in India and are now ready to share their knowledge with both local and foreign investors.

Mr Kimath mentioned that they are in the final stages of preparing System Operation Procedures (SOP) to ensure that the leather awareness programs reach a wide audience.

“Our training will adhere to International Standard Organization (ISO) standards,” he said.

The new laboratory seeks to transform the sector by providing the necessary skills and knowledge to maximize its potential and significantly boost Tanzania’s leather industry.

While tabling of 2024/2025 budget recently, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Abdallah Ulega, stated that three leather industries processed 915,100 pieces in 2023/2024 until April.

These industries are Himo Tanneries and Planters, Ace Leather Ltd, and Phiss Tannery. Reports indicate that despite the country’s large livestock population, the exports of leather products have been relatively small, fluctuating between 7 million US dollars and 21 million US dollars over the past decade.

This new initiative by TIRDO aims to change that by providing the necessary infrastructure and expertise to tap into the leather sector’s full potential