In the Greater Oxford Area, where centuries of academic study have helped shape global thought, a different kind of blueprint is taking shape. It’s not one drawn on parchment or screens, but across landscapes as vast as Ghana’s dense forests, Brazil’s soy fields, and Southeast Asia’s palm plantations. Leading this mission is Abraham Baffoe, Executive Director for Global and Africa at Proforest, single-handedly redefining how sustainability is written across the world.
For Abraham, Ghana’s forests offered the starting point of his journey, where the lives of rural communities and fragile ecosystems intertwined. Early in his career, working with Smartex Timber and later with Friends of the Earth in Ghana, he faced a persistent challenge: “How do we balance economic development with environmental preservation in regions where both are non-negotiable?” And that very question shaped the focus of his work ever since.
“Protecting forests isn’t just an ecological responsibility; it’s also an economic and social one,” Abraham reflects. “When you manage natural resources responsibly, you give communities dignity, industries resilience, and future generations a fighting chance.”
From Oxford to Africa: Localizing a Global Mission
Abraham’s Bachelor’s in natural resources management and forestry, followed by a Master’s in forestry and environmental policy, gave him a strong technical background. But it was his personal conviction, honed through two decades of field experience, that sparked Proforest Africa. Founded in 2012 as the regional branch of Proforest, Abraham’s initiative only grew into an impactful foundation of the global organizational network.
But Proforest Africa was his way of localizing and anchoring a broader mission that had begun much earlier. The parent organization, Proforest, itself began in 2000 in Oxford with a bold goal to make agricultural and forest commodity production and sourcing not only responsible but also transformative. Currently, this non-profit has multiple offices spanning Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America that support industries producing soy and palm oil, to beef, cocoa, and timber. The work continues to this day in practical, collaborative efforts grounded in the very places where commodities are produced.
Moreover, Abraham has helped Proforest Africa evolve into a bridge that connects global sustainability ambitions with the lived realities of African producers and communities. From guiding sustainable palm oil initiatives across West and Central Africa to initial assessments in Liberia’s rubber plantations, Abraham and his team developed tools and sparked open conversations. In doing so, they set the stage for lasting change across governments, the private sector, and civil society.
A Model that Bridges Policy and People
Beyond Africa, Abraham’s voice resonates on global platforms. He sits on the Steering Committee of the Tropical Forest Alliance. Additionally, the World Economic Forum recently appointed him to its Global Future Council on the Forest Economy for 2025–2026. In these positions, Abraham shapes not only regional outcomes but the very future of sustainable supply chains around the world.
Yet, his leadership rests on a simple yet captivating ideology. “When we started on this journey, we focused on ensuring a good balance between economic development and agricultural expansion to feed a growing population, while keeping our forests standing,” he shares. Guided by this principle, Proforest Global and Africa built a model that combines consultancy services for the private sector with grant-funded initiatives that strengthen local ownership.
Today, Abraham and his Proforest Africa team bring that model to life in realistic ways. From building digital tools that detect labor risks in cocoa supply chains to supporting independent farmers, the organization helps companies worldwide align their deforestation commitments with tangible, on-the-ground action.
Building Systems and Breaking Silos
In many ways, Abraham has spent his professional years breaking down silos. At WWF’s West Africa Regional office, he integrated conservation science with trade networks. At Friends of the Earth, he championed for both local communities and Indigenous Peoples to have a seat at the national policy table. And at Proforest Africa, he now leads a regional and global movement that connects policy regulators with local communities, farmers with multinationals, and climate goals with business realities.
But Abraham’s rather demanding role requires both a business mindset and a clear vision. And under his watch, Proforest Africa advocates for cross-sector partnerships like the Africa Palm Oil Initiative (APOI), which unites traditional leaders, companies, governments, and communities across ten countries. He also helps his team shift narratives from “deforestation-free” to “forest positive,” an approach that stands true to the fact that sustainability requires restoring ecosystems and inspiring people simultaneously.
Fighting Challenges and Chasing Opportunities
Abraham is quite candid about the hurdles he’s faced at Proforest. Like many founders and leaders in commodity sectors in Africa, people still view sustainability as an external requirement rather than a competitive advantage. And so, financial constraints, regulatory gaps, and inconsistent standards create further complexity across the continent.
Yet, as a leader, he sees opportunity in these challenges. “The future of leadership in sustainability isn’t about control; it’s about management. Our task is to create frameworks where social equity, economic growth, and environmental care can thrive together in the same space. It’s not easy, but it’s the only path forward,” Abraham notes.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Abraham’s influence extends far beyond just forestry and agriculture. In the Greater Oxford Area, where Proforest’s headquarters anchors a global network, he represents both scientific rigor and the moral clarity of stewardship. In Africa, Abraham expresses his hope that resource-rich nations can thrive without depleting their natural heritage. As for the global stage, he represents a voice reminding industries that their supply chains are more than mere transactions; they’re lifelines for people, nature, and the climate.
Back in Ghana, Abraham’s work echoes his commitment to sustainable development. From local communities with restored forests to private companies adopting higher sustainable standards, many young professionals are stepping into careers in the green economy. These local impacts demonstrate the broader legacy he continues to build across Africa and the world.
This story isn’t to show how sudden breakthroughs and chasing opportunities unfold over time. Rather, it’s a story that inspires future generations to be passionate about the environment, persist against all odds, listen as much as guide, and build bridges as much as build systems. His entrepreneurial spirit lies not in leading a conventional company but instead in transforming how the business itself can serve both society and the environment. And through Proforest, Abraham Baffoe continues to write his legacy, acre by acre, policy by policy, and partnership by partnership.
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