Kenyan Delegation Explores Cooperative Forestry Model at NCT Forestry Agricultural Co-operative, South Africa

On 11th  November,2025 ,a Kenyan delegation visited the NCT Forestry Agricultural Co-operative Limited in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, as part of the Public Forest Concessions Exposure Visit. The delegation comprised officials from the State Department for Forestry led by Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, and representatives from Gatsby Africa led by Mr. James Mwai.
NCT is one of South Africa’s largest timber-marketing co-operatives, owned by private and independent timber growers. The co-operative manages approximately 300,000 hectares, representing about 21 per cent of South Africa’s afforested land, and supports 1,490 members in sustainable and profitable forestry operations. Its governance framework is anchored on co-operative principles including voluntary membership, democratic control, and community empowerment.
During a tour of NCT’s mill in Richards Bay, the delegation was briefed on the milling and processing of wood chips for export markets. NCT produces approximately two million tonnes of timber annually, including 1.8 million tonnes of Eucalyptus and Acacia pulpwood, under a structured production system that emphasizes quality assurance, sustainability, and maximized member benefits.
The visit provided valuable insights into the role of member-based forestry enterprises in strengthening forest value chains, promoting private sector participation, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing. These lessons closely align with Kenya’s ongoing forestry reforms and the implementation of the #15BillionTrees Programme.
Insights gained from NCT’s cooperative forestry model will inform Kenya’s efforts to enhance forest governance, improve market linkages, and build resilient, community-led forest management systems.