New investor puts down roots in South Africa’s forestry industry

New Investor Puts Down Roots in South Africa’s Forestry Industry

South Africa possesses a highly developed commercial forestry industry that offers significant potential for value-added exports and foreign investment. In September, the international forestry investor New Forests entered the South African market by acquiring Rance Timber, a long-established forestry and sawmilling company.

The Australian-based firm gained a controlling stake in Rance Timber, which operates 14,000 hectares of pine plantations in the Eastern Cape and maintains two sawmills. This acquisition marks a notable step in strengthening the country’s forestry export capacity and attracting sustainable investment.

“We see it as a great platform from which to grow within South Africa,” said Yida Kemoli, managing director for Africa at New Forests. “And we also see it as a great platform to explore new markets within South Africa, new markets within Africa as well.”

Although less than 10% of South Africa’s territory is forested—far less than in some African nations where coverage exceeds 80%—it remains home to the continent’s most sophisticated forestry industry. The nation leads the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in plantation forestry and offers a robust industrial chain that transforms timber into finished goods.

Kemoli emphasized that South Africa’s forestry sector is well-positioned to reach new levels of growth and innovation through sustainable practices and market expansion.

Author’s summary:

New Forests’ acquisition of Rance Timber highlights growing international confidence in South Africa’s advanced forestry industry and its potential for sustainable market expansion.

more

African Business African Business — 2025-11-06

More News