Equity Bank has positioned itself as a key financial driver in a new Kenya-Italy partnership aimed at revitalizing the country’s struggling leather and tanning industry.

Announced during a stakeholder forum at the Equity Centre in Nairobi, the initiative brings together Italian investors and Kenyan institutions to build capacity, establish new tanneries, and enhance the regional leather supply chain.

Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, hailed the collaboration as a milestone in bilateral economic ties, noting that over five million animal hides are wasted annually in Kenya.

"Kenya is well placed to become a regional leader in leather production, thanks to its livestock potential and expanding industrial base,” said Natali.

He underscored Italy’s commitment to share technology, expertise, and best practices with Kenya.

Kenyan government officials welcomed the move. Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke said the sector holds great potential for youth employment, while Kenya Leather Development Council CEO, Dr. Isaack Noor, pointed to ongoing projects like the Kenanie Leather Industrial Park in Machakos, which aims to support farmers and attract large-scale investors.

Equity Group’s Chief Strategy Officer, Brent Malahay, highlighted the bank’s support under the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, emphasizing financing, insurance, and business development services to boost the leather value chain.

He noted that Kenya already has a strong foundation, including 13 tanneries with a capacity of over 30,000 tons of hides and 15 million skins, along with more than 2,000 slaughterhouses.

Italian leather industry associations, including UNPAC, UNIC, ICEC, and ASSOMAC expressed optimism about the partnership.

Their delegation visited local farms and facilities like Farmers Choice, Reddamac Leather Centre, Ikwetta, and Alpharama Ltd. to assess investment opportunities.

The initiative aims to transform Kenya into a leather processing and export powerhouse in East and Central Africa.