Title: AfCFTA’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Intra-African Timber Trade for Inclusive Green Growth

Hosted by: African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern

Dates: 30 June – 11 July 2025
Daily sessions: 12:00 Noon – 3:00 p.m. EAT / 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon GMT
Platform: Howspace – an interactive space for learning and knowledge exchange

About the Community of Practice

Africa is home to some of the world’s most sought-after hardwoods—ebony, mahogany, sapele, bubinga, and more. Yet intra-African timber trade remains limited, representing just 10–13% of the continent’s total timber trade. This gap is driven by tariff and non-tariff barriers, limited processing capacity, and competition from low-priced imports, among other challenges. Moreover, international regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) while well-intentioned, risk marginalizing African exporters by imposing complex compliance requirements that may not reflect local realities.

As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to unfold, there is growing potential to harness its framework to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and integrated timber trade across African countries. But how can we turn this potential into tangible outcomes?

Purpose of the CoP

The African Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, invites stakeholders across Africa to participate in a two-week Community of Practice to:

1. Share knowledge and experiences on intra-African timber trade, AfCFTA, and green growth strategies;
2. Identify entry points and alignment opportunities for timber in national and regional green growth strategies.

Methodology & Format

• Phase 1: Knowledge Exchange & Peer Engagement (30 June – 4 July)
  Web-based discussions via Howspace chat forum, guided by daily thematic questions.
• Phase 2: Webinar Series & Moderated Dialogue (7 – 11 July)
  Live presentations, case studies, and expert-led discussions focused on identifying practical solutions, country experiences, and strategic recommendations.
• Pre-CoP (23 – 29 June): Platform orientation and submission of participant expectations.

Expected Outcomes

• Stakeholder-identified opportunities and challenges in intra-African timber trade
• Insight into green growth strategies and where timber fits
• Assessment of AfCFTA’s potential role in supporting sustainable trade
• A co-created vision and roadmap for sustainable intra-African timber trade

Who Should Join?

This CoP is open to stakeholders across the African timber value chain, including:

• Forestry and trade policymakers
• Timber industry players and SMEs
• NGOs and civil society actors
• Indigenous communities and local forest groups
• Academic and research institutions
• Environmental and economic impact analysts
• Donors and development partners

How to Join

Be part of this timely and impactful dialogue. Let’s work together to shape an African timber sector that is green, inclusive, and future-ready.

Register now to join the CoP:
https://african-forestry-community.in.howspace.com/afcfta-and-timber-trade-for-green-growth

Registration Guide

First-time on Howspace? Here’s how to join:

1. Click the registration link above.
2. Enter your email. A login link will be sent to your inbox.
3. Click the link and fill in the short registration form.
4. Under “Would you like to join a Community of Practice?”, select AfCFTA & Timber Trade for Green Growth.
5. You’ll land on the CoP Welcome Page.
6. Explore the Programme Schedule.
7. Join the Chat Space to introduce yourself and tell us what excites you about this CoP!

Already on Howspace? Simply click the link and join the new CoP directly.

Register your interest and join us on Howspace from 23 June 2025.

For more information, contact: F.Babalola@cifor-icraf.org and lydia.afriyie@unibe.ch