Footwear players wants strategic support

Msika: I have faced challenges
Joan Footwear, one of the key players in Malawi’s footwear industry, has called for strategic interventions to support the burgeoning leather industry in the country.
Spearhead by Annie Chifulemba Msiska, a female entrepreneur thriving in the traditionally male-dominated leather industry, Msiska recognizes the pivotal role that local production plays in sustaining her business and driving economic growth.
The local leather industry continues to face setbacks, largely due to lack of a tannery that can process hides up to the crust stage.

In an industry where imported leather remains the primary source, Msiska sheds light on the logistical complexities and inherent limitations.
“We solely rely on Liwonde for our leather supply but the challenges are intense. Delays and shortages not only disrupt our production schedule but also inflate our expenses,” Msiska explains.
The need for a local tannery becomes increasingly apparent as Joan Footwear navigates these hurdles.
“Having a tannery facility here in Malawi would ensure a steady and reliable supply of leather. It would also enable us to streamline our production processes and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting both our business and the local economy,” Msiska emphasizes.
Despite the economic headwinds, Msiska remains undeterred, drawing inspiration from her journey as a female entrepreneur in the leather industry.
“As a woman in this field, I have faced my fair share of challenges but I have also found strength in overcoming them. I see the establishment of a local tannery not only as a practical solution to our supply woes but also as a testament to the resilience and potential of women in business,” she reflects.
Despite a good turnover of hides and skins annually, Malawi lacks the capacity to process the raw materials in the absence of a tannery a place where hides and skins are processed into leather resulting in Malawi losing foreign exchange.
