AFRIWOOD 2017: Analysing the Opportunities in Kenya’s Wood Industry

Nairobi, Kenya, March 01, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Wood plays a major role not just in the wood product industry of saw timber and veneer production but is also closely linked to a number of other important industries such as the paper industry, chemical industry, food manufacturing industry and the construction industry.

Kenya is a net importer of wood based products and articles as imports last year amounted to $150 million while exports, mainly to neighbouring African countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia, brought in $27 million. Demand for timber in the East African nation currently stands at over 38 million cubic meters per year.

Another study indicates that Kenya has a wood supply potential of 31.4 million cubic meters against a national demand of 41.7 cubic meters. The discrepancy in supply and demand hence stands at a whopping 10 million cubic meters. Furthermore an industry forecast for 2032 suggests supply to increase by 20% but demand to also increase by 21.6% indicating a gradually increasing deficit.

As the spending power of Kenya’s middle class continues to grow fuelling demand for houses and rentals, the construction industry is witnessing a massive boom. Demand for timber in this sector is very high and most times supply cannot keep up with the huge demand. In short Kenya’s wood industry is abounding with expansion prospects which along with the use of modern technology can increase production considerably.

In this spirit, Expogroup will be organising the 20th edition of Africa’s premiere wood & furniture manufacturing exhibition, AFRIWOOD 2017 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from 20th to 22nd April, 2017.

Trade visitors, professionals and serious buyers from all over the continent will use AFRIWOOD as an opportunity to strengthen ties with new customers, network and catch up on the latest technologies. Being a highly specialized show, AFRIWOOD provides an excellent opportunity for local and international companies to showcase their products and build new strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors globally.

Expogroup has been organizing some of the largest international trade exhibitions in Africa. Since its inception 20 years ago, Expogroup has organized expos in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria; showcasing over 500+ companies from around the world and garnering record footfalls at each exhibition.

For more information on AFRIWOOD 2017 please visit: www.expogr.com/afriwood/index.php