By Respite Kaoma,
French Ambassador to Zambia Thomas Rossignol says France is ready to scale up investment in Zambia’s forestry sector, citing the country’s vast virgin land and strong potential for sustainable forest development.
Mr. Rossignol made the remarks during a tour of the Kalulushi Pole Treatment and Timber Processing Plants operated by the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO).
He said Zambia’s track record of good governance continues to attract foreign direct investment from France and other international partners.
The Ambassador further noted that France is encouraged by the commitment among Zambians to develop key economic sectors, particularly forestry, which offers significant opportunities for value addition and industrial expansion.
Mr. Rossignol also disclosed that the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has provided a 10 million Kwacha grant to ZAFFICO to support value addition initiatives and strengthen sustainable forestry management.
He described the partnership as critical to improving forest governance systems and promoting long-term sector growth.
