ZAFFICO to launch new timber offerings in Q4, eyes regional market expansion

The Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has announced plans to introduce kiln-dried premium timber to its product range in the fourth quarter of this year.

Public Relations Manager, Choolwe Kasamu, disclosed the development during an interview at the just-ended 97th Agriculture and Commercial Show in Lusaka, noting that the new product would be sourced from ZAFFICO’s sustainably managed raw materials.

“We are bringing on a new product that we are showcasing to our visitors at this year’s show—premium, kiln-dried timber. We expect to have this on the market in the fourth quarter of the year,” said Kasamu.

He added that ZAFFICO would soon provide detailed information on available sizes and designated pickup points across the country to ensure broad accessibility for consumers.

Kasamu said the move marked an important step in the corporation’s strategy to expand its footprint both locally and within the regional market.

“This is an opportunity not only to serve the local market but also to establish ourselves regionally,” he stated.

In addition, ZAFFICO is investing in the production of particle boards, with the product expected to launch next year.

Speaking on the corporation’s current operations, Kasamu explained that ZAFFICO presently supplies raw logs to sawmillers, who utilise less than 50 percent of each harvested tree.

However, with the introduction of value-added products such as timber and particle boards, the corporation expects to boost efficiency.

“With our investments in value addition, we anticipate using over 90 percent of each tree, significantly increasing our contribution to the circular economy,” he said.

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