Established in 2007, the African Forest Forum (AFF) is a non-political, non-governmental, and not-for-profit international organization. It brings together individuals dedicated to the sustainable management, responsible use, and conservation of Africa’s forest and tree resources—all in support of environmental sustainability and the socio-economic well-being of the continent’s people.

With over 15 years of expertise, AFF stands as a leading knowledge broker, policy advisor, convener and advocate on issues related to sustainable forest management, climate change, and green growth across the continent.

Why AFF is a Trusted Authority

  1. Continental Reach & Strategic Partnerships

AFF operates across all African sub-regions, collaborating with governments, regional bodies, international development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to influence forestry outcomes at scale.

  1. Science-Driven, People-Centered

Our work is grounded in robust research, data, and traditional knowledge, ensuring that our guidance is evidence-based and aligned with the realities of local communities, especially Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth.

  1. Policy Influence

AFF supports African Union agencies, RECs, national governments, and global processes such as the UNFCCC and UNFF with cutting-edge analysis and policy recommendations that shape forest governance and climate action.

  1. Knowledge Creation & Dissemination

Through high-impact publications, policy briefs, training manuals, and digital tools, AFF empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and implement best practices in forest management.

  1. Capacity Building

We invest in the next generation of African forestry professionals through mentorship, training, and support for early-career researchers, with a strong emphasis on gender and youth inclusion.

Participants
Participants at a forest excursion at the Sokoine University of Agriculture Training Forest (SUATF) Olmotonyi, during the regional training workshop on forest planning and forest management in different forest types in Eastern and Southern Africa organized by AFF in Arusha Tanzania. Photo: African Forest Forum

 

Recognition & Engagement

AFF is widely recognized by:

  • The African Union Commission
  • Regional Economic Communities (ECOWAS, EAC, SADC, ECCAS)
  • United Nations agencies (FAO, UNEP, UNFCCC)
  • International donors (Sida, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, others)

Our work is cited in major reports, referenced in regional strategies, and featured in global forestry and climate dialogues.

Field trip
Attendees at the regional workshop on climate change, forest and tree-based ecosystem services, and socio-ecological resilience in Africa, seen here during a field visit to Kakuzi PLC in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo © AFF).

 

Join the Leading Platform for African Forestry Stakeholders

Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, student, community organizer, or entrepreneur, AFF is your credible platform for advancing forest-based solutions that meet Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.

👉 Become a Member Today
👉 Learn more about Membership Benefits
👉 Explore Our Publications 

 

 

 

AFF Data
Membership to the African Forest Forum is open to individuals from academic, governmental, non governmental,and commercial institutions,the private sector, farmer organisations,and any other body concerned with the promotion of, support of, or research intoforests, forest management and forest products, and trees outside forests.
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