The carbon absorbed by forests is essential for combating climate change globally. In Africa, deforestation is a significant concern and the continent’s major contributor to climate change. Sustainable forestry is key. Eastern African high economic growth is increasing demand timber both imported and domestic because of increased demand of timber also area of plantations has increased. Investors are local private companies and international investors like Finnfund (Finland) and Green Resources (Norway).
The presence of international companies has changed wood harvesting and further processing from manual labor towards modern technology. The main markets for wood are construction, furniture, electric companies (poles), tea industry (chips, energy).
Business Finland has done a market study of the area's forest sector and business opportunities for Finnish companies. Come and listen to Pekka Muuttomaa, author of the study and an expert in the African forestry sector.
