Investment in Africa’s forest resources will come under the spotlight in Lagos as the African Forest Forum (AFF) and the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Champions for Africa Initiative convene a high-level business roundtable on 8 September 2026.
The meeting is expected to attract senior government representatives, corporate leaders, philanthropists, development finance institutions, impact investors and other stakeholders interested in advancing sustainable investment in Africa’s forests.
The roundtable will examine practical approaches to mobilising capital for sustainable forest management, landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation and forest-based economic development.
Africa’s forests account for approximately 637 million hectares, or about 16 per cent of the world’s forest area. Beyond their environmental importance, they provide livelihoods for more than 400 million people and underpin economic activities across the continent.
The forest economy spans timber and non-timber forest products, nature-based tourism, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and climate-smart agriculture.
Despite this potential, Africa continues to face significant forest loss, with nearly four million hectares reportedly lost annually. At the same time, financing for sustainable forest management and restoration remains far below what is required.
The organisers believe that closing this investment gap will require stronger collaboration among governments, private-sector investors, philanthropic institutions and development finance organisations.
Proposed African Forestry Trust Fund
One of the major issues expected to feature at the Lagos roundtable is the proposed African Forestry Trust Fund.
The fund is being developed as the flagship financing mechanism of the Sustainable Forest Management Champions for Africa Initiative. Supported by the African Union Commission and other strategic partners, it is expected to provide catalytic financing for sustainable forest management, landscape restoration and biodiversity conservation.
The proposed mechanism will also seek to strengthen forest-based businesses, support the creation of green jobs and promote greater African ownership of forestry financing.
Participants at the roundtable are expected to explore potential investment opportunities and identify a pipeline of viable forest projects capable of attracting long-term financing.
Beyond raising capital, the organisers hope the meeting will create stronger partnerships capable of translating Africa’s vast forest resources into lasting economic, environmental and social benefits.
The discussions come at a time when African countries are confronting persistent forest degradation alongside limited financing for sustainable management.
Bringing public-sector leaders together with businesses, philanthropists, investors and development finance institutions, the organisers believe, could provide a platform for unlocking new sources of capital and accelerating the growth of Africa’s sustainable forest economy.
