Gabon

Proportion of Processed Wood Production in Gabon Rises from 20% in 2010 to 60% in 2026

Over the past sixteen years, Gabon has undertaken a profound transformation of its timber industry, breaking away from its long standing economic model based on the export of raw natural resources.

Since the ban on log exports in 2010, Gabon's timber sector has undergone a dramatic change. Jensen Opolo Nguili, Managing Director of the Gabonese National Timber Company (SNBG), said in an interview with Africa 24 TV that before the reform, less than 20% of timber was processed locally, but by 2026 this proportion had exceeded 60%, fully reflecting the vigorous development of Gabon's timber industry.

Driven by the Special Investment Zone (SIZ), the development of Gabon's timber sector has fostered the creation of highly skilled jobs, industrial progress, and more efficient use of forest resources.

With 88% of its territory covered by forests and nearly 400 commercial tree species, Gabon is one of the most forest rich countries in Africa. Today, Gabon aims to go beyond primary processing and consolidate its position as a leader in high value added timber in Africa, while committing to the sustainable development and use of its forest resources.

Gabon Lowers 2026 Sawnwood Production Forecast

On 22 May, the Gabonese Council of Ministers adopted an amended finance law for 2026, revising the economic growth forecast down to 4% from the initial 6.5%.

The downward revision is not due to the oil sector. Oil production is now expected to grow by 3.1% in 2026. At the same time, Gabonese crude oil prices have risen by 15% to US$75 per barrel.

The revision mainly stems from the non oil sector. The 2026 sawnwood production forecast has been cut from the original 1.551 million cubic metres to 989,000 cubic metres, a drop of 36.2%.

Palm oil production is expected at 138,000 tonnes, below the initial forecast of 147,000 tonnes.

Rubber production is expected at 600 tonnes, down from the original budget of 2,500 tonnes.

Gabon Awards Forest Concession for Sustainable Management to Three Major Operators

Gabon continues its strategy for the sustainable management of forest resources. On 26 May 2026, the Gabonese government issued Forest Concession for Sustainable Management (CFAD) to three major operators in the sector: Compagnie Équatoriale des Bois (CEB), Compagnie des Bois du Gabon (CBG) and Precious Woods, at a ceremony in Libreville. The decision provides the companies with a more complete legal framework to support the development of their concession areas, while reinforcing their compliance with international sustainable management standards. This recognition is crucial for maintaining the companies' access to international markets and to financing mechanisms linked to forest conservation.

CFAD concessions carry strict obligations aimed at ensuring responsible exploitation of forest resources. Holders must develop and implement a Forest Management Plan (PAF), assess and map ecosystems, and identify areas of high conservation value.

The system also limits the volume of timber that can be harvested and specifies rotation cycles to ensure the natural regeneration of forest stands. These measures are designed to reconcile economic activity with ecosystem conservation.

Republic of the Congo

Annual Report on FLEGT VPA between the Congo and the EU Released

On 19 May, the EU website published the 2025 Joint Annual Report of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA) between the Republic of the Congo and the European Union. The report provides an overview of VPA implementation progress, recent developments in forest governance, and the main challenges and prospects facing the Congolese forestry sector.

The report notes that the Republic of the Congo remains a high forest cover, low deforestation country, with forest cover of about 23.5 million hectares, representing 69% of the national territory, and an estimated annual deforestation rate of only 0.03%.

The report also highlights continued progress in sustainable forest management and certification: 9.79 million hectares of concession forests are now covered by approved forest management plans; 3.57 million hectares are certified under FSC and/or PAFC schemes; and 1.39 million hectares are covered by the legality verification system.

Significant progress has also been made in deploying the computerised legality verification system (SIVL), which now integrates legality, traceability and forest taxation modules. Several companies have initiated legality certification procedures under the subsequent FLEGT licensing framework.

Since the ban on log exports in 2023, the importance of processed timber exports has increased. The report also notes that continuous efforts are being made to align the sector with the requirements of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), notably through improved traceability and geolocation systems.

Congo Basin Assessment Report Says Next Decade is Crucial

From 25 29 May, the African Development Bank held its 61st Annual Meeting in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. On that occasion, the 2025 Congo Basin Assessment Report – Congo Basin Resilience and Sustainability: From the Past to the Future – was officially presented. The report was prepared by the Congo Basin Scientific Panel (SPCB), convened by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and was written by more than 180 scientists, mainly from Congo Basin countries. It comprises 40 chapters and provides an in depth review of the basin's ecological, social and economic significance, as well as the various pressures threatening its long term resilience.

The assessment report calls the Congo Basin Africa's "green engine". However, it warns that the basin's carbon absorption capacity is declining, making the next decade critical for the region's long term future, and underscoring the urgency of strengthening policies for conservation, governance and sustainable development in the region.

The report calls for strengthening science and technology, improving governance, providing long term financing, and exploring development pathways that protect natural capital while improving people's livelihoods.

Ghana

Ghana Postpones Implementation of New Container Tariff Rates

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has decided to postpone the implementation of the revised Container Administrative Charges (CAC) from the original 1 May to 1 July 2026, in response to concerns from the shipping and logistics industry about rising port costs. The deferral is intended to allow more time for consultations between the government and stakeholders such as shipping lines, freight forwarders, importers and exporters, with a view to developing a tariff scheme that balances industry affordability and port competitiveness. Until the final tariff is determined, the Minister of Transport has ordered an interim cap, setting the Container Administrative Charge at no more than GHS 720 per TEU for both import and export cargo. Industry has long criticised the continuous rise in port related fees, which push up transport and supply chain costs and weaken Ghana's competitiveness as a regional trade hub. In 2024 alone, Ghanaian businesses paid an estimated GHS 1.69 billion in Container Administrative Charges.

Ghana Has Issued About 500 FLEGT Licences

The Ghana Forestry Commission says it is stepping up efforts to ensure compliance and curb illegal logging through its Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing system.

Richard Gyimah, Executive Director of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD), revealed that Ghana has issued about 500 FLEGT licences, covering timber exports worth approximately €14.3 million, equivalent to about 22,500 cubic metres, mainly to EU markets.

Gyimah said that Ghana's timber tracking system allows monitoring of the entire supply chain from felling to export. In addition, the competent authorities carry out field audits to verify actual operations.