Stakeholders from government, business, philanthropy and development finance are set to converge in Lagos on 8 September 2026 for a high-level discussion on unlocking new investment opportunities in Africa’s forest sector.
The African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Champions for Africa Initiative, is organising the roundtable to examine how more capital can be mobilised to protect, restore and sustainably manage the continent’s forests.
The gathering is expected to attract senior government officials, corporate executives, philanthropists, development finance institutions, impact investors and other strategic partners.
Discussions will focus on financing sustainable forest management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation and the development of forest-based businesses and livelihoods.
Africa possesses an estimated 637 million hectares of forest, equivalent to about 16 per cent of the world’s total forest area. These forests are a major source of livelihood for more than 400 million people and provide resources that support communities and economies across the continent.
The sector has significant commercial potential through timber and non-timber forest products, ecotourism and other nature-based tourism activities, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture.
However, the continent continues to experience rapid forest loss. Nearly four million hectares of forest are lost annually, while funding for sustainable forest management and restoration remains inadequate.
According to the organisers, reversing this trend will require a major expansion of long-term and catalytic investment, supported by closer cooperation between governments, businesses, philanthropic organisations and development finance institutions.
African Forestry Trust Fund in focus
A major component of the Lagos discussions will be the proposed African Forestry Trust Fund, which is being developed as the flagship financing mechanism of the Sustainable Forest Management Champions for Africa Initiative.
With support from the African Union Commission and other strategic partners, the proposed fund is expected to mobilise catalytic capital for sustainable forest management, landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation.
It will also seek to promote forest-based enterprises, create green employment opportunities and strengthen African ownership of financing for the continent’s forestry sector.
Participants will consider potential investment opportunities and work towards developing a pipeline of credible forest projects that can attract domestic and international financing.
The roundtable is also expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to build partnerships capable of converting Africa’s forest resources into sustainable economic opportunities while delivering environmental and social benefits.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of continuing forest degradation and a persistent shortage of investment in sustainable forest management across Africa.
For the organisers, bringing key decision-makers and capital providers to the same platform represents an important step towards expanding financing for Africa’s forest economy and ensuring that the continent’s forests deliver long-term benefits for both people and the environment.
