Sustainable forestry in Africa - Darren Lapp, New Forests Company

Send us Fan MailIn 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-companyFind us on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and Youtube.