Participants at a one-day Investors’ Forum on bamboo value chain development in Anambra State have decried the untapped and underutilized benefits of bamboo in the area and the country at large.
The forum themed “Strengthening Investment Opportunities in the Bamboo Value Chain for Sustainable Industrial Growth and Economic Development in Anambra State” drew captains of industry, scholars, entrepreneurs, and top government functionaries.
The event held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, was organized by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Anambra State Coordinating Office, in collaboration with Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED).
Keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Muyisa Kazimoto, the Vice Chancellor, Open Learning University, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prof Kazimoto identified bamboo as a transformative green resource for Africa’s sustainability agenda.
Speaking on the topic, “Bamboo value chain development in Africa’s Green Economy,” Kazimoto called for multi-stakeholder action and investment in bamboo value chains.
“Africa faces environmental degradation, poverty, and youth unemployment. The green economy model emphasizes equity, resource efficiency, and resilience.
“Green economy also improves human welfare and reduces ecological risks. Bamboo emerges as a renewable, fast-growing resource.
“Bamboo is also an investment opportunity as it grows fast, regenerates without replanting. In terms of industrial versatility, over 10,000 applications across sectors.
Kazimoto however named the challenges to include: weak policy coordination, lack of processing units, low innovation and finance access.
Bamboo institutionalization critical
He recommended the institutionalization of bamboo in national development frameworks, and establishment bamboo clusters and innovation zones.
“Mobilize public-private partnerships (PPPs). Integrate bamboo in climate finance systems and support community-driven, inclusive bamboo enterprises
In his welcome address, the Director General of RMRDC, Professor Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, said the bamboo value chain holds significant potential for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
The DG regretted that the valuable resource (bamboo) is highly underutilized in Nigeria.
He was represented by the Coordinator, RMRDC Anambra Coordinating office, Dr Uche Arinze-Nwosu.
“Developing the bamboo value chain can contribute to Nigeria’s green economy, reduce deforestation, and provide raw materials for various industries.
“We must explore new investment models, modern processing technologies, and value addition opportunities.
Forum theme apt
The Acting Vice Chancellor, UNIZIK, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, described the forum’s theme as apt.
The VC was also represented by the Director, General Studies, Prof Philomena Igbokwe.
“It captures some challenges of developing countries: lack of value addition to raw materials; relying on the export of these.
“Value chains with their concomitant value additions promote economic development, business growth and consumer satisfaction. Value chains also create job along the lines leading to the final product.
Co-founder, Afroforestry Impact and Regeneration, USA, Mrs Diana Doheny, delivered the lead paper titled, Bamboo Value Chains for sustainable development: Identifying investment opportunities and accessing international grants”.
She put the 2024 global market estimate for bamboo at $67.13 billion, which is projected market $90 billion by 2030.
Top ten countries
Doheny listed the top ten countries – China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia and Japan.”
According to her. China accounts for more than 60% of global bamboo production.
It exports bamboo and bamboo-based products to more than 100 countries worldwide.
“Global market for bamboo furniture is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2026.
“China remains the largest producer and exporter.
“Already we see uses of bamboo in structural timbers for commercial and residential construction. Bamboo can also potentially be used as a structural additive to cement.
SIBRED Director, Dr John Ogbodo, delivered the second paper entitled “From raw materials to revenue: Bamboo-based entrepreneurship for youth.
Dr Ogbodo harped on the need to pay close attention to the benefits bamboo offers.
Ogbodo regretted, “Nigeria which is the second leading bamboo producing country in West Africa, has no operational national bamboo policy, nor regulations and plantation establishment standards.
“There is no single state in Nigeria that, currently has at least: one hectare of planted bamboo forest. No known government owned bamboo forest nursery with at least, 1,000 bamboo seedlings anywhere in Nigeria.
“I hope you attending this Forum are now motivated to invest in bamboo VCD in Anambra State. SIBRED and RMRDC is here to Partner with You to achieve your business Dream.”
State government support
The Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, and Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, all pledged the readiness of the state government to take maximum advantage of bamboo value chain in line with the goal of a green, eco-friendly and prosperous homeland.
The event was chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha.
Awka Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Association of Heads of Federal Establishments, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Nnewi, and Small and Medium Entreprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) all committed to advancing the development of bamboo value chain in Anambra State.
Coordinators or representatives of RMRDC coordinating offices in Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu states all attended the forum, which featured exhibition of SIBRED-made bamboo products and many other produced by RMRDC.
The Royal Father of the day and traditional ruler of Ebenebe, Igwe Christopher Nnaegbune was accompanied by his colleagues, Igwe Samson Chimka of Ugbene, Igwe Ositadimma of Achalla, the Onowu of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwegwu and the Owelle of Ebenebe, Chief Emma Ugonabo Okenna.
