by dr. ibrahim favada, jayne m. buadu & razak issah

‘AFRICANTIMBER.NET’-AFRICA’S FIRST ONLINE TIMBER

MARKETPLACEBY

Dr. Ibrahim Favada, Jayne M. Buadu & Razak Issah

OUTLINE Intra-African timber trade initiative

Project rationale Challenges in intra-African timber trade Solutions

Africa’s first online timber marketplace (‘Africantimber.net’)

Overview of ‘Africantimber.net’

Intra-African trade in Timbers and Timber Products(TTPs) has generally been limited.

In 2007 only 10% of the region’s TTPs imports originated from the region itself, indicating major opportunities for expansion.

THREE CORE CHALLENGES IN TIMBER TRADE IN AFRICA

Weak information systems on the markets and the forest sector in producing countries.

Gaps in the existing market intelligence.

Limitations in accessing markets and in market competitiveness of TTPs due to constraints such as changes in market requirements, specific measures taken by regulators and activists to eliminate or reduce the use of tropical timber in general.

WEAK INFORMATION SYSTEMS

General situations in ITTO member countries are that: Some have no functional information systems or which are

in initial phases of their development

Others have recognised the importance of marketing information, developed institutional models, but which still have significant needs to strengthen and coordinate their information systems

Some have relatively well-established national system, but still have gaps and other needs of improvement

GAPS IN THE MARKET INTELLIGENCE Lack of information on domestic, informal sector and legal/illegal

production.

Unreliable projection of demand and supply makes planning at enterprise and national level difficult

End uses and market characteristic of individual species, including LUS and plantation species, are poorly known.

There is inadequate information on factors driving change in tropical timber consumer markets and how to proactively respond to these.

Specific information on markets for Secondary processed wood products(SPWPs) is inadequate but necessary to guide investments in adding value.

LIMITATIONS IN ACCESSING MARKETS

Tariffs Standards and technical regulations

Other non-tariff trade barriers

A PROPOSED MEASURE TO ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES IS THROUGH THE INTRA- AFRICAN

TIMBER TRADE INITIATIVE

Improving intra-African trade and market transparency in TTPs by:

Increasing knowledge of regional market.

Improving production capacity and marketing planning.

Improving market access and logistics

HOW THE ONLINE TIMBER MARKETPLACE (AFRICANTIMBER.NET) ADDRESSES SOME OF THE

TRADE CHALLENGES

The online timber marketplace will: catalogue timber companies, trade leads Provide social media tool to facilitate liaison among

African traders. At the marketplace, regular surveys will be conducted

with traders, market intelligence gleaned, prepared and reported on the website for various users.

OVERVIEW OF ‘AFRICANTIMBER.NET’

THE LANDING PAGE

NEWS ITEMS

FEATURED BUSINESS

UPCOMING EVENTS

SIGN UP

CREATION OF ACCOUNTS

example@gmail.com

fffffffffffff

CONTACT PERSON PROFILE PAGE

CHAT BOX

BUSINESS MENU

LISTING YOUR BUSINESS

CREATE NEW BUSINESS

LISTING YOUR BUSINESS

NAME

COMPANY WEBSITE

EXAMPLE: LOGGER, PRIMARY PROCESSOR ETC

BUSINESS PROFILE PAGE

BUSINESS PROFILE PAGE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

POSSIBLE CHALLENGES

The lack of interest in online marketing shown by companies.

Some companies are not willing to subscribe for a fee.

Poor internet servicesHigh computer illiteracy

THANK YOU