Gitex Group has initiated a full effort to collect and store sacrificial animal hides across 17 Algerian wilayas (provinces) during the three days of Eid al-Adha. This significant annual religious observance generates a substantial number of animal hides, which the initiative aims to harness effectively. The group established 27 dedicated sites for this collection, strategically located to maximize reach and efficiency. To manage this extensive operation, Gitex mobilized a considerable workforce, with 589 workers actively involved during the three days of Eid al-Adha. The overarching goal of this initiative is to significantly boost and support the local leather industry by ensuring a reliable and high-quality supply of raw materials.
Digital Leap in Collection
For the first time, Gitex has introduced a sophisticated digital tool to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the hide collection process. This innovative system allows for real-time monitoring of the operation directly in the field, providing immediate data on collected quantities. The new digital system is deployed across all 17 Algerian wilayas participating in the initiative, ensuring consistent data capture and oversight. Through these efforts, the initiative has established a strong collection capacity, aiming to gather approximately 1.2 million hides, a figure critical for meeting the demands of the domestic leather sector.
Improving Hide Quality and Utilization
The collected hides are not merely stored but are specifically earmarked for further processing within the national value chain. They are directed towards various tanning and processing facilities, where they undergo the necessary treatments to transform them into usable leather. This processed leather will then be utilized in the production of a wide array of local leather products, including shoes, bags, and other accessories. This strategic utilization directly supports and strengthens the domestic leather industry, reducing reliance on imported materials. Gitex Group's focused efforts on improving hide quality have yielded positive results. The percentage of hides deemed suitable for industrial exploitation has shown a notable improvement, rising to 33% in 2025. This increase is a testament to the enhanced collection and preservation techniques being implemented.
Industry Collaboration and Future Vision
Gitex Group has forged strong collaborations with various stakeholders to streamline and optimize the hide collection process. These efforts include establishing 30 cooperation agreements with technical landfill centers, spanning across 30 wilayas. These agreements are key for ensuring proper handling and temporary storage of hides before further processing. A critical component of the initiative has been specialized training. A total of 270 supervisors underwent intensive training focused on essential techniques such as hide sorting, salting, and preservation. Many of these supervisors were specifically drawn from the partner technical landfill centers, ensuring that best practices are applied consistently from the initial stages of collection. This full training aims to significantly enhance both the quality and the industrial viability of the collected hides, thereby maximizing their economic value.
CEO's Statement on Efficiency and Progress
The Gitex Group has significantly expanded its infrastructure for hide collection, establishing 73 dedicated reception points to facilitate easy access for contributors. This extensive network shows the group's commitment to a widespread and accessible collection system. The improvements in quality control and processing are clearly reflected in the statistics. The percentage of hides suitable for industrial exploitation has demonstrated a consistent upward trend, reaching 33% in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from 29% recorded in 2024 and an even more significant leap from the 19% observed in 2023, noting the effectiveness of the group's strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital.
