Departures of note

Wilson Andrade, born in Milagres, Bahia, was a prominent Brazilian economist who dedicated his career to the development of the forest‑based and natural‑fiber sectors. He served as the executive director of the Associação Baiana das Empresas de Base Florestal (Abaf), where he was recognized for promoting sustainable practices and expanding the industry’s market presence.

Throughout his professional life, Andrade held numerous leadership roles, including honorary consul of Finland in Bahia and Sergipe, president of the Sindifibras (the Bahia Natural Fiber Industries Union), and head of the International Natural Fiber Organization in Amsterdam. He also chaired several advisory councils for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, and he led the Conselho Consultivo do Fundo Comum de Commodities.

His contributions extended to international trade, serving as regional director for Finncham in the Northeast and presiding over the Chamber of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of the Bahia Commercial Association. Andrade’s work earned him recognition as a key figure in Brazil’s agribusiness and export sectors.

Wilson Andrade died on 8 August 2026 at the age of 78. His passing was announced by Abaf, which highlighted his lasting legacy for the cultivated‑forest and natural‑fiber industries in Brazil.