Inescop hosts the training of African leather professionals within the framework of the European project Xllence4LeatherAfric
Inescop has been the setting for an international training mission aimed at professionals in the leather and footwear sector from Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, within the framework of the European project Xllence4LeatherAfric, funded by Erasmus+ The initiative seeks to enhance vocational education and sustainability within the leather industry in East Africa through the creation of Centres of Excellence.
Over the course of three days, participants strengthened their technical and pedagogical skills in key areas for the industry, including leather quality control, the integration of sustainability criteria, and the adoption of methodologies aligned with international standards. The training programme combined theoretical sessions, laboratory-based practical activities and participatory dynamics, with a strongly applied approach.
Xllence4LeatherAfric project was launched to address the needs of an already established African industry that still requires consolidation of its processes, modernisation of its management systems and improvement of the technical training of its professionals. The creation of Centres of Excellence in Tanzania and Uganda will enable the provision of specialised training, technical advisory services and support for local companies.
Beyond its benefits for Africa, this international cooperation also brings advantages to Europe and the Spanish leather sector by fostering technical knowledge exchange, strengthening the global value chain, and promoting the adoption of shared quality and sustainability standards.
Following the training mission, Inescop hosted the third in-person consortium meeting, with the participation of all European and African partners: Creative Thinking Development (Greece), Ege University (Turkey), Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (Tanzania), Kyambogo University (Uganda), Uganda Leather and Allied Industries Association (Uganda), Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia) and Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias do Couro (Portugal). During the meeting, progress across the different work packages was reviewed and the next phases were planned to ensure the continuity and impact of the project.
Hosting these activities at Inescop reinforces its role as a strategic partner in training and knowledge transfer within the leather and footwear sector, while projecting internationally the expertise and capabilities of the Elda and Alicante ecosystem.