Why EUDR could redefine Africa’s agricultural competitiveness

For East African exporters of coffee, tea, timber and other commodities, as well as West African producers of palm oil and other agricultural exports, maintaining access to this market is critical.

The regulation, which covers seven commodities including coffee, cocoa and palm oil, requires companies placing products on the EU market to demonstrate they are deforestation-free and legally produced.

Nigeria, Africa's largest producer of palm oil, supports millions of smallholder producers across its oil palm value chain, while in Ghana the sector provides livelihoods for an estimated two million people through a mix of smallholder production, outgrower schemes and commercial estates.