In the quiet, green expanses of Malulu, Mozambique, Akim Ndofiriapi is a pillar of the local forestry industry. With decades of experience spanning Zimbabwe, South Africa, and now Mozambique, Akim is a driving force behind sustainable forestry practices at Green Resources, a forestry and wood processing company with operations across southeastern Africa.

Akim’s story begins in Zimbabwe, where he was born and educated.

“I grew up in Zimbabwe, completed my studies in forestry in 2000, and worked for various companies before finding my way to Mozambique,” he recalls.

His journey through the forestry industry has taken him from PG Manufacturing and Wood Industrial in Zimbabwe to Quality Treatment Timbers in South Africa, and ultimately, to Green Resources in Mozambique.

Akim joined the company in early 2024, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge in wood processing and management. His role as a facilitator and operations advisor has proven critical in improving the company’s production processes. “When I first arrived, I saw a lot of gaps in their operations,” he explains.

“This is the first time many of the local workers are in the industry, and they needed guidance.”

At the heart of Green Resources’ operations are its two primary departments: timber treatment and veneer production. Akim oversees the veneer production process, where logs are carefully peeled to produce thin sheets of wood, mainly destined for markets in India and the Philippines. “We produce veneer that is 3mm and 1.8mm thick,” Akim says, pointing to the large stacks of logs waiting to be processed. The production process is highly demanding, requiring 90 cubic meters of logs each day to meet the company’s targets.

Akim’s leadership goes beyond technical operations. He has made significant strides in capacity building within the company, training local staff and establishing quality control systems that didn’t exist before. “For a company like ours to succeed, we need strict quality control to ensure our products meet client specifications,” he emphasizes. Under his guidance, the company has appointed two quality control officers and is training local supervisors, such as Ramiro, who Akim praises for his dedication and adaptability.

One of Akim’s biggest challenges has been the language barrier—most of the workers at Green Resources speak Portuguese, while Akim is still learning the language. “I’ve had to adapt quickly,” he says. “Thankfully, I’ve had help from people who speak English, like Ramiro, who also serves as my translator.” Despite the language challenges, Akim’s rapport with the team is strong, and he’s optimistic that he’ll soon be able to communicate seamlessly without translation assistance.

Beyond daily operations, Akim’s vision for the company is rooted in sustainability. Green Resources’ timber production is focused on achieving responsible forestry practices, with the company actively planting new trees to ensure the longevity of their operations. “The sustainability of this company is clear,” Akim states.

“Even as we harvest, we’re continuously planting to replace what’s taken.”

Akim’s influence extends beyond improving efficiency and sustainability at Green Resources. He is also focused on shifting the mindset of the workers. “Many of them are new to the workforce,” he says, “so they don’t fully understand the urgency and demands of the job. My goal is to instill a more professional and productive mentality, educating them on the company’s vision and helping them reach their full potential.”

As Akim walks through the bustling factory floor, his commitment to fostering growth—both in the workers and the forests—is undeniable. His experience and passion are planting the seeds of a more sustainable and prosperous future for Mozambique’s forestry industry.