Case Studies

In Gabon, the temporary suspension of a timber traceability monitoring system in 2023 raised suspicions of corruption within the Ministry of Water and Forests. Gabon has 88% forest cover, making forestry a major economic sector and a key area of interest for foreign companies. Timber originating from the country’s Nkok Special Investment Zone (SIZ), set up to promote local wood processing, must meet EU sustainability certifications. To ensure this, the TraCer monitoring system traces the origin of harvested wood and the methods used in extracting wood from this zone. Yet, in March 2023, the system was briefly suspended for a month due to administrative issues.  

This suspension raised concerns in regard to corruption within Gabon’s Ministry of Water and Forests. Government inconsistencies concerning the verification of traceability and legality of timber entering the Nkok SIZ have notably been uncovered. In addition, allegations suggest that officials from the Ministry of Water and Forests were complicit in illicit timber operations when suspending the TraCer. The "Kevazingogate" scandal, which involved extensive trafficking of kevazingo, a protected wood species, despite a ban on its export, also exacerbated these suspicions. Officials from both the customs office and the Ministry of Water and Forests were implicated, highlighting systemic issues within Gabon's forestry sector.  

Keywords: Sub-Saharan Africa, Gabon, timber, primary production, illegal timber trade, corruption and bribery

Sources:  https://news.mongabay.com/2023/05/corruption-threatens-timber-traceability-in-nkok-gabon/