FAIST is a strategic alliance that brings together companies, research centres, and suppliers to transform the Portuguese footwear sector. By combining human and technological intelligence, it develops solutions in automation, robotics, and digitalization, fostering an integrated, sustainable, and people-centered digital transformation.
This seminar will showcase how human and technological intelligence come together to deliver solutions in automation, robotics, and digitalization, highlighting the power of collaboration in shaping a smarter, more sustainable, and people-centered industry.

Organizers:

• APICCAPS – Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association

Speakers:

• Massimo Angeleri, Vice President Assomac
• Cristiano Figueiredo, Team Leader of Digitalization, Automation and Robotics CTCP
• Florbela Silva, Head of Innovation and Digital Manufacturing CTCP
• Pedro Duarte, Team Leader of Prototyping, Personalization and Production Technologies CTCP
• Rita Souto, Head of Training and Cooperation Skills Development
• João Bernardo, CEO di MIND
• João Carvalho, Commercial Department Atlanta Steps
• Joana Vaz Teixeira, International Relations APICCAPS

Language:

• English

In a market demanding transparency, verifiable data, and tangible impact reduction, the leather and footwear sector is called upon to make a responsible shift. The panel intends to explore the contribution of technological innovation and traceability systems to building higher-performing supply chains, in line with regulatory developments and fashion brands’ ESG strategies.

Organizers:

• YMPACT

Speakers:

• Cristiano Paccagnella, Vice Presidente Assomac
• Francesca Rulli, Co-founder Ympact
• Mickael Maniez, Head of Sustainable Supply Chain Kering
• Matteo Pasca, Director Arsutoria
• Marta Simonetti, Regional Manager – Europe ZDHC
• Daniele Massetti, Regional Lead – Italy, Apparel Impact Institute

Language:

• Italian

Session 1: Opportunities and growth prospects in the African leather and footwear supply chain

This session offers an institutional and cross-sector perspective. It focuses on overall development prospects in key African markets, with a particular focus on local market dynamics in the footwear, tanning, and leather goods sectors. It explores investment and technological collaboration tools and prospects, and highlights the potential for building strong partnerships between Italian and African stakeholders along the entire value chain.

Organizers:

• Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo.
• Assomac – National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods and Tanning Technologies

Speakers:

• Mauro Bergozza, President, Assomac
• Alessandra Pastorelli, First Counsellor, Head Of Division – Guidance and supervision of the Italian Trade and Investment Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
• Giorgio Traietti, Board Member Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo
• Maurizio Forte, Managing Director Export Promotion Department – Italian Trade Agency
• Lucia Anna Todisco, Officer AICS – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, Technical Deputy Directorate, Private Sector Development Projects and Professional Technical Training Coordinator
• Viola Di Caccamo, Senior External Relations Simest
• Mariangela Siciliano, Head of Education & Connects Solution Sace

Language:

• Italian / English

Session 2: Focus on Kenya: alliances and industrial growth in the leather sector

The focus shines a spotlight on Kenya, a country with strong ambitions and promising prospects in the leather sector. With contributions from Italian and Kenyan public agencies, financial institutions, and representatives of Italian supply chain associations, the discussion explores ongoing collaborations and future opportunities.
This occasion serves as a pivotal moment to reaffirm a shared commitment to supporting the development of Kenya’s leather ecosystem. This is pursued through partnerships among enterprises and key stakeholders across the value chain, with particular emphasis on innovation in production processes, technology transfer, and professional training.
Italian and Kenyan partners jointly leverage their respective expertise to enhance the quality and efficiency of both processes and products.


Organizers:

• Assomac – National Association of Italian Manufacturers of Footwear, Leather Goods and Tanning Technologies
• UNIC – Italian Tanneries Association
• UNPAC – Italian Association of Leather Chemicals Manufacturers

Speakers:

Discussion on Country opportunities

• Augustine Cheruiyot, Senior Advisor, Executive Office of the President of Kenya
• Giuseppe Manenti, Director ICE Nairobi with competence for Tanzania and Eritrea
• John Mwendwa, OGW, Ceo KenInvest
• Brent Malahay, Chief Strategy Officer Equity Group Holding
• Eusebius Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry Kenya

Insights into the Italian Association of Supply Chain

• Agostino Apolito, General Director Assomac
• Fulvia Bacchi, General Director UNIC
• Claudio Rosati – Board Member UNPAC

Language:

• Italian / English