The Association Technique Internationale des Bois Tropicaux (ATIBT) has announced a major Ghana-focused programme at the upcoming Carrefour International du Bois (CIB) 2026 in Nantes, France, positioning Ghana as a leading global partner for legal and sustainable tropical timber trade.
The initiative is being organised with support from the EU FLEGT VPA Programme, funded by the European Commission, and comes as Ghana continues strengthening its reputation in responsible forest governance and sustainable timber exports.
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The event will take place from June 2 to June 4, 2026, at the Parc des Expositions de Nantes, Hall XXL, where ATIBT will host a dedicated “Ghana Corner” exhibition stand to showcase Ghana’s expertise, investment opportunities, and sustainable forestry achievements.
Ghana’s FLEGT Milestone Draws International Attention
Ghana gained international recognition after issuing its first FLEGT licences on October 8, 2025, becoming one of the first African countries to fully guarantee the legality of timber exports to the European Union under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative.
As Europe tightens regulations under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), Ghana is increasingly being viewed as a model for transparent and climate-conscious forest governance.
The exhibition and strategic forum aim to strengthen trade partnerships between Ghanaian timber suppliers and European importers while promoting lesser-known timber species, green finance opportunities, and sustainable forestry investments.
Major Forum To Explore Ghana-EU Timber Opportunities
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, industry leaders, government officials, investors, and international organisations will gather at Salle Canopée 1 for a high-level forum dedicated to Ghana’s forestry sector.
The programme will feature opening speeches from the Ghana Forestry Commission and European timber importers, alongside discussions on:
- Implementation of Ghana’s FLEGT licensing system
- European market trends and EUDR requirements
- CITES regulations and export opportunities
- Ghana’s Forest Plantation Strategy (2016–2040)
- Bioeconomy and green finance initiatives
- B2B networking between Ghanaian suppliers and European buyers
The forum will also include presentations from seven Ghanaian timber suppliers and the Ghana Timber Millers Organisation (GTMO), creating direct opportunities for commercial partnerships.
ATIBT Praises Ghana’s Leadership In Sustainable Forestry
ATIBT President Françoise Van de Ven praised Ghana’s efforts in transforming its forestry sector and meeting rising global sustainability standards.
“Ghana is a model of mobilisation for the sector. This dedicated roundtable is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that African tropical timber, supported by rigorous management, provides a concrete response to tomorrow’s climate and regulatory challenges,” she stated.
The organisation also thanked partners including the FAO, AFD, EticWood, Probos, the European Commission, and the EU Delegation for supporting sustainable forestry development in West Africa.
The event is expected to further strengthen Ghana’s international visibility in sustainable timber production while opening new commercial channels with European markets.
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