The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is spearheading a regional drive to transform the Congo Basin’s vast forest resources into an engine for industrialization and economic integration. A scoping meeting scheduled for 29-30 July 2026 in Yaounde, Cameroon, will bring together member states, regional bodies, financial institutions, and private sector players to advance a study on sustainable timber value chains.
Despite being home to 70% of Africa’s tropical rainforest cover, Central Africa accounts for only 1% of global sawn timber production while supplying 20% of tropical log exports. This disparity underscores limited local processing and lost opportunities for jobs and value addition. ECA’s Jean Luc Mastaki said the goal is to turn regional commitments into productive investment and competitive industries.
The study will examine innovative financing mechanisms including carbon markets and green finance, and leverage Special Economic Zones like Gabon’s Nkok zone to catalyze higher-value wood products. Participants will share best practices to accelerate implementation of existing policy frameworks. The initiative also aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster regional value chains.
Article and image source: nigeriasun.com
