Border Timbers

Cicada Border Timbers is one of the largest commercial forestry operations and a leading producer of kiln-dried timber in Zimbabwe. We specialize in silviculture, harvesting, processing of eucalyptus hardwood and softwood pine into rough-sawn timber (RST) ,creosote-treated poles and other wood products. Established in 1945, we are dedicated to improved forest management and promoting biodiversity conservation for sustainable growth.

Overview of Estates

8,400Ha

The Northern Region

Total land area

2,100Ha

Conservation area

Overview of Estates

37,500Ha

The Southern Region

Total land area

6,800Ha

Conservation area

We deliver the highest quality timber and wood products:

  • Rough-Sawn Timber (RST)

    Whether you need wood for construction, furniture, or industrial use, our expertly processed timber guarantees quality and reliability every time. Unlike air-dried wood, kiln-dried timber undergoes a controlled drying process, enhancing its strength, durability, and workability.

  • Poles

    Our treated poles come with a 25-year guarantee. They are grown for more than 10 years, carefully air seasoned for 3 months, graded and pressure treated for maximum impregnation, to ensure protection from rot and insect damage.

  • Sawdust Briquettes

    Sustainability is at the forefront of our business. We recycle our milling waste to produce sawdust briquettes. These are a sustainable alternative energy source to firewood and contribute to reducing deforestation of indigenous woodland.

  • Sustainable Firewood

    We are also collaborating directly with the tobacco industry to combat deforestation. Our annual investment into new forestry includes 1,000 Ha per annum towards the supply of sustainable firewood.

Processing Standards & Accreditations

All estates, except for Tilbury, have Forest Stewardship Council Certification (FSC). We anticipate Tilbury will achieve certification by the end of 2025.

Our Pole Management Systems are ISO-certified for: Occupational Health & Safety (ISO 45001, Environmental Management (ISO 14001), and Quality Management (ISO 9001).

Locally, our timber has been tested and proven to meet the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) certification requirements.

Key Management

Tricia Wallace

Managing Director

  • Over 25 years of experience, 7 of which with the group.

  • Extensive experience in financial and operational management of agricultural businesses in the U.S. and Africa.

  • Gained practical insight into working with small scale farmers and community development through project management and leadership positions with TechnoServe in Mozambique, Ethiopia and the US.

  • Previously worked for JPMorgan in Natural Resources Investment Banking.

  • Has an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Tulane University, and a BA in Economics and History from Loyola University of New Orleans. Also holds a one-year agriculture certificate from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Takunda Mutematsaka

Finance Director

  • Over 16 years of experience, 8 of which with the group.

  • An experienced CFO who previously worked for Criterion Africa Partners, overseeing forestry and agriculture assets in South Africa, eSwatini, and Tanzania.

  • Extensive experience in East Africa with Rift Valley Tea’s Plantations and Tea Blending operations as well as Floresta de Niassa in Mozambique.

  • A Certified Public Accountant (Tanzania) who holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and a Postgraduate degree in Finance and Strategy from Said Business School, University of Oxford.

  • Zimbabwean National