The Angolan government reported significant financial losses from the timber industry in 2024, estimating a shortfall of $157.4 million (€151 million) from sawn timber exports. Despite exporting approximately 17,000 cubic meters of sawn timber to markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, revenues amounted to just $4.5 million, according to a note from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry presented during its end-of-year ceremony on Tuesday, December 24.
The ministry highlighted the discrepancy between actual earnings and potential revenues, stating that Angola’s native forests could support an annual export capacity of 360,000 cubic meters. Based on an average reference price of $450 (€432) per cubic meter, expected revenues should have reached $162 million.
“The Angolan State is losing a lot of money in the timber operation,” the ministry emphasized, attributing the losses to inefficiencies and challenges in the sector.
In the 2024 Forestry Campaign, at least 146,989 cubic meters of round timber were licensed, generating 687.2 million kwanzas (€720,000) in fees and related charges. Efforts to renew and expand forest areas included the production of 1.5 million forest seedling plants by the public sector and 3.15 million by the private sector, covering 4,184 hectares in Benguela, Huambo, Bié, and Huíla provinces.
Looking ahead to 2025, the ministry plans to enhance inspection services, increase the involvement of the Multisectoral Commission for the Creation of the National Forest and Wildlife Guard Service, and continue training beekeepers as part of broader environmental and forestry management efforts.