The project emerged as a response to the challenges faced by an industry already established in countries such as Tanzania and Uganda, but which still requires greater technical training, modernization of production processes, and improved waste management. Among its main objectives is the creation of two centers of excellence dedicated to specialized training, technical support, and guidance for companies in the sector.
This international collaboration also represents added value for the European and Spanish leather industry by encouraging the adoption of quality and sustainability standards, promoting new innovation opportunities, and fostering the sharing of technical knowledge throughout the leather value chain.
Over the course of three days, representatives from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Kyambogo University, and Bahir Dar University took part in intensive training coordinated by INESCOP – Centro de Innovación y Tecnología. The program included theoretical sessions, laboratory activities, and practical workshops, emphasizing an approach closely connected to industrial reality. Participants also had the opportunity to work with advanced technological equipment and tools aimed at improving product quality and process sustainability.
In addition to the training component, the initiative provided an opportunity to showcase, in an international context, the technological and research expertise developed by INESCOP in Elda, Alicante, for the leather and footwear sectors. Technological demonstrators related to waste valorization, circular economy, and resource optimization were also presented through practical examples adaptable to different production contexts.
Consortium Meeting in Elda
Following the completion of this training mission, INESCOP – Centro de Innovación y Tecnología hosted the third in-person consortium meeting of the project on April 23 and 24. The meeting brought together all project partners involved: Creative Thinking Development, Ege University, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology, Kyambogo University, Uganda Leather and Allied Industries Association, Bahir Dar University, and the project coordinator, CTIC – Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias do Couro.
During the meeting, the partners reviewed the progress of the various ongoing activities, with a particular focus on capacity-building actions, the implementation of the centers of excellence, and the strategies aimed at ensuring the continuity and future impact of the project.