STAKEHOLDERS GATHERED TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE TROPICAL TIMBER SUPPLY CHAIN IN THE CONGO BASIN

This exchange took place against the background of a highly complex forestry sector. On one hand, Cameroon boasts vast natural resources, with 20 million hectares of forests, one of the largest forest areas in Central Africa. Forestry, the country’s third economic pillar, accounts for about 4% of GDP and employs nearly 45,000 people. Wood products are the third-largest source of export revenue, primarily shipped to Europe and Asia.

On the other hand, the forestry sector is undergoing significant transformation, presenting both challenges and development opportunities. Deforestation is intensifying due to agricultural expansion, mining projects, and logging, threatening the sustainability of this vital resource. At the same time, the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the upcoming 2028 ban on log exports are tightening requirements for sustainable, legal, and value-adding forest management. While this vision holds great potential, its implementation faces hurdles such as an unfavourable investment climate and insufficient infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with two visits. The first was to the Technical Carpentry Training Centre run by the Benedictine monastery of Mont-Fébé. Participants admired masterpieces, including the wooden chairs crafted for the Pope’s visit to Cameroon in April 2026. The second visit was to Callens African Woods, a certified Belgian timber company, offering insights into the complex processes of processing wood for European markets.

The visit underscored the critical importance of international cooperation for the tropical timber industry. With the Forest, Environment, and Climate II (ProFEC II) project launching in April 2026, German cooperation will strengthen its support for the private sector, including promoting public-private partnerships to increase green investments in the sector. Now is the time for Cameroon and the global community to reconcile economic growth, sustainability, and adherence to global standards. A challenging yet essential mission for the future of the timber sector.