In terms of the largest timber producers in Africa, it is important to understand which nation has significant timber resources and an established forestry industry. Zaire, known today as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is recognized as the largest timber producer in Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has extensive forest coverage, including parts of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon. This vast expanse of forestland provides an abundance of timber resources. The country's forestry industry has developed around this natural resource, contributing significantly to its economy.
Other countries like Ghana and Nigeria also have substantial forests and timber industries, but they do not match the scale of Zaire. Malawi, on the other hand, is less known for timber production compared to these countries.
In summary, considering its massive forest expanse and established timber industry, Zaire (the Democratic Republic of Congo) stands out as Africa's largest timber producer.