Higher demand anticipated for Gabon wood and forestry exports

The demand for timber products from Gabon is expected to rise with the positive construction business outlook in Central and West Africa. This report was released by Africa Construction Trends 2018 and was received with enthusiasm by the exhibitors and organizers of Gabon WoodShow, the leading platform from wood, woodworking machinery and forestry sector in Central and West Africa and which will be held on 24-26 June 2019 in Libreville, Gabon. 

According to the report, Central Africa construction sector has started to pick up pace last year and posted 26 construction projects with a value of USD26.9 billion. This accounted for 5.7% of continental projects for last year. In the same year, West Africa rebounded with an increase in construction projects to 105. This had pushed West Africa’s GDP with construction project amounting to USD82.8 billion. The recovering construction sector in both Central and West Africa can be attributed to the booming real estate sector.

The need for competitively-priced and top-quality timber is now more imperative to sustain the construction sector. It is against this backdrop that exhibitors are maximizing the opportunity to reach and expand their market, especially in Central and West Africa, with their participation at Gabon WoodShow to feature their latest products and innovations.  

Walid Farghal, Director General of the Organizing Committee, said, “The three-day exhibition will focus on featuring wood, woodworking and forestry products to thousands of specialized visitors who are keen to find the best deals and new sources of supply for their business. This year, we expect more exhibitors as Gabon is an ideal source of top-quality timber, especially okoume of which 90% of the world’s exports come from Gabon. Gabon WoodShow is also in support of the government’s initiative to promote sustainable forestry management while reaping the economic benefits of the local forestry industry.”

Over 40 countries are participating at Gabon WoodShow including exhibitors who are into manufacturing and supply of woodworking machinery and tools, trucks and other timber transport vehicles, cropping and harvesting machines, saw millers, hardwood and softwood, flooring, plywood and veneer, MDF, laminates and boards, finishing and fittings, furniture, paints, adhesives and glues, and software. 

Gabon WoodShow is organized in partnership with the Gabonese government under the patronage of H.E. President Ali Bongo Ondimba and the Gabon Special Economic Zone. 

For interest to exhibit, register online at www.gabonwoodshow.comor send inquiry to info@gabonwoodshow.com.