RACEWOOD 2025 will take place from June 1 to 2 in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo. Organized by ATIBT- International Tropical Timber Technical Association in partnership with various institutions, companies, and technical organizations from the tropical forest-wood sector, this edition will focus on the major challenges of local wood processing, the promotion of lesser-known timber species (LKTS), vocational training, and the opportunities provided by domestic wood markets (MIB) in the Congo Basin region.
FSC – Congo Basin and West Africa has joined forces with ATIBT as a specific sponsor of the first Central African Cabinetmaking Grand Prix, a unique competition organised with funding from the Agence Française de Développement and Réseau des Institutions de Formation Forestière et Environnementale de l'Afrique Centrale (RIFFEAC). The Grand Prix will be held from June 30 to July 2, 2025, as part of the RACEWOOD Forum. This unique competition will bring together eight young carpenters and cabinetmakers from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and the DRC to showcase their talent, promote woodworking professions, and raise public awareness of local wood processing. Through this support, the FSC reaffirms its commitment to training, skills development, and the promotion of woodworkers within a sustainable forest management framework.
ATIBT stated, “we would like to warmly thank our partner, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – Congo Basin and West Africa, for its valuable support as a sponsor of the competition. Through this partnership, the FSC reaffirms its commitment to promoting local craftsmanship, responsible forest resource management, and the development of a sustainable and inclusive wood economy in Central Africa.”
"FSC is strengthening its relationship with ATIBT to promote the responsible management of tropical forests," said Patrick Epie, FSC's Congo Basin and West Africa Coordinator. "Sponsoring RACEWOOD is one way we can demonstrate that commitment."
Find more about RACEWOOD 2025 Forum.