GDP contribution from forestry

The forestry sector in the Republic of Congo, mainly focused on timber, accounts for 5% of the country’s GDP. However, informal activities and difficulties in monitoring commercial flows make it hard to track products and collect public revenues effectively.

New agency to control forest products

On October 14, the government approved a draft law in the Council of Ministers to create the Agency for the Control of Forest Products for Export and Import (ACPFEI). This new public body aims to replace the Export Forest Products Control Service (SCPFE), which had previously managed exports of forest products.

Reasons for the reform

Authorities cited the limitations of the current system, changes in forest regulations, and the need to better integrate legality and sustainability standards into the timber trade as reasons for the reform. The Council of Ministers report noted weaknesses in the SCPFE and the need for reform due to the new Forestry Code.

Continued log exports despite a ban

Despite an official ban on log exports since 2023, the continuation of such exports remains a concern. The reform aims to promote local wood processing, creating jobs and retaining more economic value within the country.

Complaint about the log export ban

On September 30, 2026, the Center for Development Actions (CAD) filed a complaint with the High Authority in the Fight Against Corruption (HALC) over the difficulty of implementing the log export ban. The NGO argues that bypassing the ban costs the state revenue and limits job creation in the wood processing sector.

Scale of log exports

Data from the Congolese Carriers Council show that in 2025, the country exported 764,411.87 cubic meters of wood, with 58.31%—nearly 446,000 cubic meters—exported as logs. This highlights the need to improve control over commercial flows and promote local processing.

Delays in implementing a partnership agreement

The reform comes amid delays in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (APV-FLEGT) between the Congo and the European Union. Stakeholders of the agreement have called for faster reforms, including the adoption of Forestry Code texts and sustainable financing for a computerized legality verification system.

Purpose of the partnership agreement

Signed in 2010 and effective since 2013, the APV-FLEGT aims to reduce illegal logging and improve forest governance. It includes mechanisms to ensure that forest products meet national laws, and its implementation is a key challenge for the future ACPFEI.

Challenges for the new agency

It remains uncertain whether the ACPFEI will have the necessary human, technical, and financial resources to strengthen controls, improve traceability, and ensure compliance with the log export ban.