The Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French Development Agency (AFD) and French company TEREA at a total cost of 390,000 Euro grant.
ZAFFICO Managing Director, Mundia Mundia, says the MoU is aimed at strengthening sustainable forestry management and industrial diversification efforts.
The media reports that Mr Mundia was speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka, where he noted that the partnership will support ZAFFICO’s efforts to expand its pine and eucalyptus plantations, restore degraded forest landscapes and drive value addition and industrial transformation.
He highlighted that the MoU provides a grant of 390,500 Euros from AFD’s Technical Expertise and Experience Exchange Fund (FEXTE) to support a project that will enhance ZAFFICO’s operational efficiency, market competitiveness and sustainability.
“The project includes a comprehensive diagnostic phase, a detailed market study, and technical visits to France, to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building,” he added.
Mr Mundia further noted that the partnership is already yielding significant benefits, including a comprehensive forest inventory that guided ZAFFICO’s strategic plan and investment priorities.
“The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on rural development, empowering families and unlocking new livelihoods across forestry dependent areas,” Mr Mundia said.
And Ambassador of France to Zambia, Thomas Rossignol says the agreement reflects the commitment that France has towards Zambia’s development and resource sustainability.
Mr Rossignol emphasised that the project was good for ZAFFICO, the country and the entire population, explaining that it will help fight deforestation in the country, especially in the fight against climate change.
He also emphasised that global warming and deforestation do not recognise borders and that countries must work together to address these challenges.
AFD Regional Director for Southern Africa, Marie-Hélène Loison, said the agreement was a significant step towards achieving sustainable development in Zambia’s forestry sector.
“I am particularly proud to join forces with ZAFFICO in promoting sustainable forest management, which is considered a key asset for the Zambian economy,” she said.
Ms Loison said that the project was aligned with AFD’s strategy to support local development, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable management of natural resources.
She added that the project was part of AFD’s broader efforts to support the forestry and agriculture sectors in Zambia and will contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“The project ticks a lot of boxes in our strategy and it is about increasing value addition, promoting sustainable forestry management and improving livelihoods for people in rural areas,” Ms Loison added.
