Boosting intra-African timber trade

Abstract

Forest cover in Africa is declining, and new strategies are needed to foster sustainable forest management. At the same time, unstable international trade relationships are challenging Africa’s timber trade model. This creates momentum for Africa to boost intra-African timber trade and make use of the novel African Continental Free Trade Area. More continental trade could help reduce Africa’s trade deficit in wood and wood products while generating jobs, catalyzing investments and incentivizing sustainable forest management. Six approaches for fostering intra-African timber trade are suggested: increasing timber plantations on degraded land, supporting certification, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, building infrastructure for low-emission transportation, combatting and ending corruption, and creating awareness on the untapped economic potential of Africa’s timber sector.