24.01.2025
The ATIBT officially launched the “Appui au Secteur Privé du Marché Intérieur du Bois” (ASP MIB Congo) project, a major initiative for the Congolese forestry sector, to stakeholders at a workshop held on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at the Hôtel ACERAC / Saint Francois de Paule in Brazzaville.
With funding of 2 million euros from the European Union Delegation, this four-year project addresses a crucial challenge: structuring and professionalizing the domestic timber industry, currently characterized by a high level of informality that compromises the sustainability of forest resources and government revenues.
Project Manager Alain Tsiopsop presented the project's two main strategic axes:
1. Improving mechanisms for the sustainable management of the timber sector
2. Strengthening the technical and financial capacities of local players.
The project will also benefit a wide range of players, including
- SMEs and craftsmen in the wood sector
- Vocational training centers
- Professional associations
- Local communities and small-scale loggers
- Women entrepreneurs in the sector
- Transporters and retailers in the timber industry
Particular attention will be paid to the inclusion of women in the sector and the creation of sustainable jobs, thus contributing to the socio-economic development of the Republic of Congo while preserving its forest heritage.
The workshop was opened by the Inspector General of Forest Economy Services, Samuel Ossebi Mbila, who pledged that the Congolese government would spare no effort in supporting the ATIBT and all players involved in the domestic timber market to achieve the objectives set. "The EU's interventions are part of a partnership between our institution and the Congo. It is built on a promise that we share, which is the forest, a renewable resource that must be managed sustainably”, declared the EU's Head of Cooperation, Augustin Bondo Tshiani, also present at the launch workshop.
Around thirty people attended, representing all the stakeholders in the industry.
