Supporting EUDR readiness in West Africa

As the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline approaches, palm oil, rubber, and soy companies in Benin, Nigeria, and Togo are working urgently to prepare for compliance. Proforest, an AFi Delivery Partner and Coalition member organisation, is drawing on the Accountability Framework to provide technical support to help companies fully implement EUDR requirements by December 2025. The organisation is assisting companies in West Africa including Benin Agri Business and Benin Organics, Togo Organics and Naturals through the ARISE IIP conglomerate, as well as Nigeria’s Okomu Oil Palm Company.

"Proforest believes that transformation can only happen when people are empowered with the knowledge and skills to plan and implement change,” said Stephen Doso Jr, Deputy Director, Responsible Production, Proforest Africa. “The Accountability Framework was a useful resource to build capacity for these companies in their EUDR preparedness."

Applying the Accountability Framework to prepare for the EUDR

To ensure a thorough baseline evaluation and gap analysis for companies, Proforest developed an assessment aligned with the Accountability Framework. This assessment included specific aspects of the Framework’s guidance on supply chain management, monitoring, verification, and reporting, disclosure, and claims. It also identified gaps that could be addressed through application of the Framework’s guidance. Based on that analysis, Proforest assisted the companies in developing actionable plans designed to close identified gaps and achieve EUDR readiness.

Proforest also facilitated a webinar on achieving deforestation-free soy supply chain for sustainability leads and management personnel at ARISE IIP. The training focused on traceability, which included aspects of the Accountability Framework’s consensus-based guidance.

“This event highlighted the importance of traceability, risk management, and inclusive implementation to achieve deforestation-free commodities,” said Roop Shikha, Assistant Manager, Sustainability Projects, ARISE IIP.

Using the Accountability Framework as a reference point, Proforest has supported companies to understand their gaps, develop action plans, and move forward in their readiness for compliance with the EUDR. To learn more about Proforest’s services for companies, visit the AFi Delivery Partner directory.