Presentation
Based in Cameroon, Cameroon United Forests is an industrial company specialized in the wood logging and processing. It supplies logs and quality sawn timber to the international market. With responsible management of 512,771 hectares of tropical forest, the company combines economic profitability and ecological sustainability, while actively supporting local communities.
Certified OLB (Timber Origin and Legality) since 2005, Cameroon United Forests guarantees logging operations respectful of environmental and ethical standards. With a recognized expertise, it has established sustainable partnerships with customers in more than 30 countries, spread across Asia, Europe, North America, Middle East, and Africa.
History
In March 1991, Cameroon United Forests, known as “CUF,” was established specializing in forestry and wood trading. Under the dynamic leadership of Antoine Darazi and with an initial team of 15 employees, the company began its activity by subcontracting forests, which allowed it to produce 2,500 m³ of wood per month from the first year. By 1992, CUF obtained its first logging Agreement.
In 2000, it obtained its first forest concession through a tender. The number of employees in the company then exceeded one hundred.
At the same time, it began the certification process for obtaining the OLB label in the early 2000s and obtained it in 2005 for 5 of its forests. Its certification has been maintained over the years through annual audits conducted by Bureau Veritas. In 2024, the certificate was extended to all its forests as well as those of its partners.
In 2010, the company expanded its activity by purchasing a sawmill in the city of EBOLOWA, which then had only one sawing line. By 2011, a second sawing line was put into service, a third in 2016, and finally a fourth in 2022. To accommodate these new facilities, Cameroon United Forests progressively expanded the area of the sawmill. Since 2016, CUF has also installed 3 drying chambers, allowing it to offer customers high-quality and superior durability dried wood. In 2018, 3 new chambers were put into service.
In 2023, Cameroon United Forests acquired a second industrial site in Mbalmayo, equipped with a primary processing line and three drying chambers of 100 m³. This site now allows the company to achieve a drying capacity of 900 m³ per month.
In 2024, CUF obtained the extension of the OLB certification to 5 new forest concessions (FMU 09.004b, FMU 09.006, FMU 09.017/018, FMU 09.029, CF MINTOM), which are added to the 5 already certified concessions (FMU 09.012, FMU 09.019, FMU 09.020, FMU 09.023, FMU 09.026/027), increasing the certified area from 287,321 hectares to 512,771 hectares.
In 2025, Cameroon United Forests operates 512,771 hectares of forest spread in 10 forestry concessions, which it manages in ownership or in partnership in the south of Cameroon. Its monthly production capacity is up to 22,000 m³ of logs and 5,000 m³ of sawn timber. The company directly employs 1,100 collaborators established in the different logging sites, on the two industrial sites of Ebolowa and Mbalmayo, and at the company headquarters located in Douala.
Key Figures
Visions and Values
Since its creation, Cameroon United Forests (CUF) has continued to develop. Thanks to the acquisition of new forestry concessions, the integration of a modern sawmill, the launch of new sawing lines, the increase in the capacity of drying chambers, and the establishment of strategic partnerships, CUF actively contributes to local economic development.
Driven by a desire for sustainable growth, CUF aims to go even further by turning towards third processing, in order to offer 100% Cameroonian finished products.
Aware of the issues related to logging operations and the trade of illegal timber, CUF is firmly committed to responsible resource management. The recent extension of OLB certification (Timber Origin and Legality) to all its concessions demonstrates its determination to meet the growing demands of certification and to promote transparency in the timber sector.
At CUF, our actions are guided by essential values that ensure respect for people and resources:
Development
We constantly push our limits to improve the quality of our production and innovate in our practices.
Integrity
Compliance with local regulations and the fight against illegal timber trade guide each of our actions.
Customer Commitment
Our customers are at the heart of our priorities. We adapt our practices to meet their constantly evolving needs.
Social Responsibility
We act responsibly towards society and the environment, by supporting local communities and preserving natural resources.
With these values as pillars, CUF continues its development by reconciling economic performance, respect for the environment, and social commitment.
Our Teams
Douala
The headquarters brings together the General Management as well as the Accounting and Financial Departments, Human Resources, Commercial, Administrative, and Technical, gathering over 100 people.
Ebolowa
It hosts the Forest Department and the Sawmill Department, with about 450 employees dedicated to the management and processing of wood.
Mbalamayo
A small team supervises the operation of the three drying chambers.
Djoum
Annex of the Forest Department, with a small team of about ten people.
Exploitation sites
Located in the logging plots currently being operated, they mobilize more than 500 people on the site.
CUF values diversity and equal opportunities at all levels of the company. Several management positions are held by women, reflecting the company’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
The company also invests in the personal and professional development of its employees. Many employees started their careers as interns and have been able to progress through continuous training and experience gained on the site, thus accessing positions of responsibility.
M. Antoine DARAZI
General Manager
Location
