Project Name: Enhancing sustainable development and efficient education in the leather industry through excellence in Uganda, and Tanzania  (Xllence4LeatherAfric)

Funder: ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CB-VET

Project Number: 101183417-ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CB-VET

Project Contact: Mr. Fitsum E. AHMED

Email: Oneday790@gmail.com

Project Overview: The Erasmus+ Xllence4LeatherAfric project aims to enhance the capabilities of the leather industry in Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Over three years, the project partners will focus on improving vocational training, promoting sustainability, and driving the economic and social development of the Leather sector in Africa. Despite having valuable resources, such as a large livestock population, the Leather industry faces significant challenges that hinder its growth potential. BDU, alongside its partners, will work to strengthen the African Leather sector by establishing centres of excellence, training professionals, and promoting more sustainable and innovative leather practices. The Xllence4LeatherAfric project stems from the challenges limiting the growth of the leather industry in Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, three countries with great economic potential in this sector but currently facing considerable underdevelopment. In Ethiopia and Tanzania, despite the abundant supply of large livestock population, the industry struggles with issues such as inefficient waste management, reliance on chemicals for processing hides and skins, and deforestation caused by grazing activities. In Uganda, the industry is further hampered by health concerns and the dominance of small, family-run businesses that cannot compete on a global scale. 

Upon completion, the Xllence4LeatherAfric project will contribute to the upskilling and professional training of individuals seeking to work in the promising leather processing sector. What is more, it is going to support enterprises and encourage the establishment of new ones, combat unemployment and boost this sector of the national economy. Furthermore, it can strengthen the cooperation between the EU and partners from three countries. Last but not least, it will encourage the creation of other such centers. In total, this project will contribute massively to the overall development of Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES 

• Improving vocational training with updated content, practical courses and extra-curricular training for students and workers interested in leather processing.

• Promoting environmental sustainability through the development of modern and sustainable production strategies, involving the efficient use of resources and the implementation of advanced waste management techniques..

• Fostering economic and social development by creating new job opportunities, reducing unemployment and strengthening existing businesses and encouraging the creation of new ones.

Project Implementation Period 

Start date: 01/01/2025 

End date: 31/12/2027