African Equatorial Hardwoods (AEH) is the name of the new logging company created by the joint venture between GMDC, a subsidiary of ACDG (The African Conservation Development Group Ltd.) and CWG (Corà Wood Gabon), a subsidiary of Corà Italy.

The joint venture of these two large groups makes AEH a major operator in the timber sector in Gabon. Indeed, AEH will manage the exploitation rights of 400,000 hectares of forest over 25 years, with an extraction capacity of 80,000 to 100,000 cubic meters of logs per year. 

In addition to these physical assets, the expertise acquired by these two groups in ecology and sustainable forestry is well established in the Congo Basin area and specifically in Gabon through the Grande Mayumba project. This expertise could be put to good use in the sustainable management of natural resources so beloved by the Gabonese state.

AEH's objectives

The new operator plans to invest 20 billion CFA francs (30.5 million euros) over the period 2022-2026. During this period, the company will specialize in primary, secondary and tertiary processing (including kiln drying, flooring, decking and furniture manufacturing facilities) to boost Gabon's international competitiveness.

According to Stefano Cora, director of the Cora Group, "The environment in Gabon and the international wood market has changed a lot in recent years. Adapting is vital. With AEH's investment program, we will develop research and development to propose and promote new products and species on the international market. We will also work on training our employees to introduce new technologies, improve product quality and maximize wood processing to create more value in Gabon. This alliance strengthens the Corà Group's international position and its long-term commitment to the country".

The aim is to exploit wood while reducing the impact of logging on carbon emissions. The new company plans to gradually move from harvesting natural forest species to plantation forestry in previously degraded forest areas.

The company will also sustain over 500 jobs in Port gentil and Guietsou, and create new ones by 2025. Patrice Lobet, the general manager of AEH, is a man with a wealth of experience in the agro-industry who will have to implement this ambitious project while respecting the national ecosystem of Gabon.

Source : Infosgabon &afcondev

Vanessa Ntoh