Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the export and sale of raw timber through producing high-value finished wood products through strategic public-private-partnerships, a move expected to boost industrialisation, create jobs and increase export earnings.
Speaking during a ceremony to hand over furniture at the Mhlahlandlela government complex on Monday, Forestry Commission director general George Manyumwa said they were focusing on timber beneficiation to ensure the country derives maximum value from its forest resources.
The event, convened by the Forestry Commission in partnership with Pride of Africa, showcased the way collaboration between the public and private sectors can promote sustainable forestry while driving local economic development.
He said the Forestry Commission was deliberately moving away from the traditional practice of selling raw logs to promoting the local manufacture of finished timber products such as furniture, doors, flooring, roofing materials and other wood-based products.
“We are committed to moving beyond the sale of raw logs towards the production of high-value finished timber products through strategic partnerships.
“Beneficiation enables Zimbabwe to retain greater value from its natural resources while creating sustainable employment and strengthening local industries,” he explained.
Manyumwa said increasing local timber processing would stimulate investment in manufacturing, encourage skills development and expand opportunities for small and medium enterprises participating in the forestry value chain.
He said value addition was central to the government’s industrialisation agenda as it increases the contribution of the forestry sector to the national economy through higher export revenues, improved tax collections and the creation of downstream industries.
“Processing timber locally would also reduce dependence on imported wood products, improve the country’s trade balance and enhance the competitiveness of Zimbabwean timber products in regional and international markets,” he said.
Manyumwa said the Forestry Commission was also strengthening measures to safeguard the country’s timber resources by tightening controls on harvesting while promoting sustainable forest management practices.
“Protecting our forests goes hand in hand with ensuring that every tree harvested delivers maximum economic value through local processing. Sustainable harvesting and responsible management remain critical to preserving these resources for future generations,” he said.
He also said partnerships with the private sector were critical in attracting investment, modern technology and expertise needed to expand domestic timber processing capacity.
New Ziana
