Sustainable forestry in Africa - Darren Lapp, New Forests Company

INSEAD Emerging Markets Podcast

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In this episode, we were joined by Darren Lapp, CEO of the New Forests Company, a sustainable forestry and timber products business operating in Uganda and Tanzania. Darren shares his journey from growing up in a forestry town in Canada to leading a major forestry enterprise in sub-Saharan Africa.

We discuss:

Darren’s career path – how he transitioned from biology and soil science to forestry, influenced by early work experiences and international exposure.
The challenges of forestry in Africa – balancing environmental sustainability, community engagement, and economic viability.
Sustainable practices – how the New Forests Company restores deforested areas, integrates local communities, and secures FSC certification.
Investment in forestry – why forestry requires long-term, impact-driven investors and how the industry is evolving in Africa.
Local value addition – efforts to reduce reliance on raw material exports by producing finished timber products within East Africa.
Leadership insights – Darren’s collaborative leadership style, developed through multinational experience and INSEAD’s International Directors Program.
Future vision – scaling New Forest Company's impact by expanding industrial capacity and market development, with a goal of long-term economic sustainability.

After this podcast was recorded, Darren let me know they had closed a transaction with Shell Nature Based Solutions in forming a new impact forestry joint venture. You can learn more on the New Forests Company’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-forests-company

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