Assomac, the Italian association representing manufacturers of footwear, leather goods and tanning technologies, has signed a strategic agreement in Kenya with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Equity Bank Kenya Limited. The agreement was formalised in Nairobi on the sidelines of the Kenya International Investment Conference.
The initiative aims to strengthen Kenya’s leather value chain through the adoption of Italian machinery and technologies, while supporting the country’s integration into global production networks. The partnership is expected to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, enabling companies to meet international quality standards and expand their export potential.
A key pillar of the agreement is the financial support provided by Equity Bank Kenya Limited, which will facilitate access to funding for local buyers investing in Italian technologies. This will allow Kenyan manufacturers to develop higher value-added products and improve their competitiveness in global markets.
The project is aligned with the priorities of Italy’s Mattei Plan, reinforcing economic cooperation between Italy and African countries. It is also part of the broader “Sistema Italia” approach, bringing together institutions, trade agencies and industry associations to support sustainable industrial development.
Commenting on the agreement, Assomac President Mauro Bergozza highlighted that Italian technology represents not only excellence and quality, but also the ability to transform raw materials into high value-added products. He emphasized that the collaboration aims to build a competitive and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in Kenya.
Assomac continues to expand its footprint across Africa, with ongoing initiatives in Egypt, Niger, Senegal and Tunisia, and future plans targeting Ethiopia, Morocco and Namibia.
This strategic partnership positions Kenya as a rising regional hub for leather manufacturing, while further strengthening the global impact of Italian technology.
