This report by the African Natural Resources Centre examines the progress made by African countries to enforce forest law and governance, under the Forest Law Enforcement and Governance programme. The report, which was based on an extensive qualitative research, examines national strategies and looks at how African countries are carrying out voluntary partnership agreements in line with the European Union Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Action Plan. The report showcases the existing opportunities to integrate export and import markets within Africa by promoting intra-African trade of timber products within an informal framework. It suggests intra-African trade of timber products can produce substantial benefits to people living both in timber exporting and timber importing countries. The report further highlights the relevant value added that the African Development Bank can bring to improve legality and governance in the timber value chains.
