BUJUMBURA August 28th (ABP) – Burundi leather is of very good quality, the deputy leader of the Federation of Leather Goods and Shoemaking Companies of Burundi (FEMACOBU), Mr. Désiré Ndikumana, told a check by ABP on Thursday, August 24, 2023 during an interview.
Mr. Ndikumana clarified that FEMACOBU is a company that brings together 10 companies that manufacture leather shoes in Burundi. He indicated that this company operates in the field of leather and produces sandals, shoes, purses, belts and others.
Mr. Ndikumana reported that the sandal made of Burundian leather is sold between 15,000 BIF and 20,000 BIF, while the clogs for women are sold 18,000 BIF, and that a pair of shoes for men made in the same material is sold between 70,000 BIF and 80,000 BIF.
Speaking of the challenges that haunt the company, the deputy leader of the Federation of Leather Goods and Shoemaking Companies of Burundi underlined the lack of raw materials, especially skins. To deal with this problem, they have recently done a 10-day training to study how to prepare the skins bought here in Burundi, in order to avoid going abroad to export them, he revealed.
For future prospects, Mr. Ndikumana said that FEMACOBU plans to create the project of small cooperatives for young people in the three provinces such as Bujumbura, Gitega and Bubanza, to train young people with skills in shoemaking and leather goods, preparation of skins purchased in their villages, and FEMACOBU, in collaboration with those young people, will have facilities in the supply of skins.
He testified that thanks to this profession since 1994, he founded his home and is able to cover the needs of his family.
He invited unemployed young people to create self-development activities and team up in cooperatives or associations in order to fight against unemployment and contribute to the development of the country.
Mr. Ndikumana also invited women and men to see his shoes in the enclosures of FEMACOBU, located in Ntahangwa commune of Bujumbura city, while emphasizing that Burundi leather is of very good quality.