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Dr Elaine Ubalijoro, chief executive Officer, Landscape Alliance during the forum. [Juliet Omelo, Standard]
Africa is losing billions of dollars in potential income by exporting raw tree-based commodities while importing finished products, a practice experts say is preventing the continent from fully benefiting from its vast natural resources and slowing the growth of local industries.
The challenge dominated discussions among policymakers, scientists, investors and development leaders meeting in Nairobi, where attention focused on how trees, forests and agroforestry resources can be transformed into higher-value products, industries and jobs capable of driving green economic growth across the continent.
Speaking at the forum, Landscape Alliance Chief Executive Officer Dr Éliane Ubalijoro said Africa continues to surrender much of the value generated by commodities such as cocoa, coffee, timber, cashew and avocado by exporting them in raw form.
