“Sweden
has a long tradition of sustainable forest management”
Monika Ölund, Business
Manager for Wood Products & Technology.
18
Interview conducted by: Youcef MAALLEMI and Ghiles BABA. Photos selected by: Mouloud CHIKH.
Le
Courrier d’Afrique 54: Could you
briefly tell us about your professional background?
Monika
Ölund: I’m the
Business Manager for Wood Products & Technology (and also Scanpack- the packaging
industry) at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg. My
role is to develop the exhibition together with the industry, creating a
meeting place where companies, experts, researchers and decision-makers can
connect, do business and exchange knowledge. I have many years of experience in
business development, sales and the exhibition industry. What I enjoy most is
bringing people together and creating platforms that contribute to the
long-term development of an entire industry.
Le
Courrier d’Afrique 54: Could you
introduce us to the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre, the official
organizer of this key event?
Swedish
Exhibition & Congress Centre, location of the event.
Monika
Ölund: The Swedish
Exhibition & Congress Centre is one of Northern Europe's largest integrated
meeting places. Every year we host a wide range of both national and
international exhibitions, conferences and events across several industries. For
more than 100 years, our mission has been to create business opportunities,
facilitate knowledge sharing and support innovation. Wood Products &
Technology is one of our long-established industrial exhibitions, bringing
together the entire wood value chain under one roof.
Le
Courrier d’Afrique 54: The next
Wood Products & Technology trade fair will take place from August 25 to 27,
2026, in Gothenburg, Sweden. How are the preparations coming along?
Monika
Ölund: Preparations
are progressing very well. We are working closely with exhibitors, industry
organizations and partners to deliver a highly relevant event that reflects the
challenges and opportunities facing the wood industry today.
Le
Courrier d’Afrique 54: What is the
current state of the timber sector in Sweden, and in the Nordic countries more
broadly?
Monika Ölund: The Nordic forest and timber industry remains one of the most advanced and sustainable in the world. Although the market has experienced fluctuations due to inflation, changing construction activity and global uncertainty, the long-term outlook remains positive. There is strong investment in automation, digital technologies, resource efficiency and value-added wood products. At the same time, wood is becoming increasingly important in the transition towards more sustainable construction and a circular economy. The industry is also focusing on attracting new talent and developing the skills needed for future manufacturing.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Who are the key stakeholders involved in organizing this
major event?
Sweden
Monika
Ölund: Wood Products
& Technology is developed in close collaboration with the industry itself. Our
exhibitors are naturally at the heart of the event, but we also work together
with industry associations, research institutes, universities and strategic
partners. This collaboration ensures that the exhibition reflects the latest
market developments and addresses the industry's real needs. It is very much an
event created by the industry, for the industry.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: How is Sweden tackling deforestation?
Monika
Ölund: Sweden has a
long tradition of sustainable forest management. Forestry is regulated through
legislation that requires regeneration after harvesting, meaning that new
forests are established following logging. At the same time, there is an
ongoing public and political discussion about balancing timber production with
biodiversity, climate goals and conservation. Sustainable forest management is
therefore a continuous process of balancing environmental, economic and social
considerations. Innovation also plays an important role, with investments in
more efficient resource use, increased recycling of wood materials and
technologies that help maximize the value of every harvested tree.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What are the key things to know ahead of the event?
Monika
Ölund: Visitors can
expect a meeting place covering the entire wood value chain—from raw materials
and wood processing to automation, software, tools and sustainable building
solutions. The exhibition offers, seminars, networking opportunities and
discussions on some of the industry's most important topics. Whether you are
looking for new suppliers, business opportunities or knowledge, the exhibition
is designed to deliver value.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What is the secret to making this event a success?
Monika
Ölund: The key is
listening to the industry. We develop the exhibition together with exhibitors,
visitors and partners. Every edition evolves based on market needs and emerging
trends. Success is not only measured by visitor or exhibitor numbers, but by
the quality of the meetings, the business opportunities created and the
knowledge shared. If exhibitors leave with valuable contacts and visitors
return home with new ideas and solutions, then we have achieved our goal.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Do you have a message for visitors and exhibitors?
Monika
Ölund: The wood
industry is undergoing rapid transformation, creating both challenges and
exciting opportunities. Wood Products & Technology is where the industry
comes together to discuss the future, discover new technologies and build new
business relationships. We especially
welcome international exhibitors and visitors. The Nordic region has extensive
expertise in sustainable wood processing and timber construction, and Wood
Products & Technology is an excellent opportunity to build partnerships
across borders.
