The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a major step forward in the palm oil sector by officially joining the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC). This strategic decision, welcomed by Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), marks the beginning of a new era for an industry that was once thriving but is now in search of revival and modernization. The time has come for Congolese palm oil to become both competitive and sustainable.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the DRC was a major player in the international palm oil trade, exporting its production far and wide. However, over the decades, national production has failed to keep pace with the rapid rise in demand. A country that once supplied others has now become a dependent importer.
Today, the DRC is forced to import nearly 140,000 tons of palm oil annually to cover its production deficit, despite possessing 145 million hectares of fertile land suitable for palm cultivation—land that remains dormant, waiting to be cultivated.
This paradox highlights the country’s immense untapped potential, long overshadowed by years of underdevelopment. Meanwhile, industry giants like Indonesia and Malaysia generate billions of dollars in revenue from palm oil exports, whereas the DRC earns a mere $86,000 from its own exports. The gap is vast, and the urgency is undeniable. This contrast underscores the need for a structured industrial and agricultural transformation to meet domestic demand and reclaim a position in the global market.
Joining the CPOPC represents a critical step in the revival and restructuring of the sector, offering the DRC a pathway to restore its palm oil industry’s former glory. The goal is twofold: to meet domestic demand through increased local production and to reestablish the country as a competitive exporter on the global stage.
A membership that opens new horizons
By joining the CPOPC, the DRC is sending a strong message: it is determined to reclaim its place as a key player in the palm oil sector and is taking concrete steps to achieve this goal.
This decision provides the country with access to valuable opportunities. Through this partnership, the DRC will be able to collaborate with the world’s largest palm oil producers, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, benefiting from their expertise and cutting-edge technological advancements in the field.
Another major advantage is the alignment of Congolese production standards with global requirements. This harmonization will not only enhance the quality of DRC palm oil, making it more competitive, but also facilitate access to international markets and attract much-needed foreign investment.
Beyond economic gains, this membership presents a unique opportunity to strengthen cooperation among CPOPC member states, fostering the exchange of knowledge and the development of shared strategies for a more sustainable and competitive industry.
A major economic and social impact
According to a CPOPC study, revitalizing the palm oil sector in the DRC could bring about spectacular economic growth. If the country succeeds in modernizing and structuring its industry, it could achieve an annual production of 1.5 million tons of palm oil, creating 250,000 direct jobs and generating nearly 1.2 million additional jobs across the value chain.
However, the impact of this expansion would extend beyond plantations and processing plants. Approximately 6.3 million people, or 6.3% of the Congolese population, would benefit from the economic ripple effects. Additionally, the palm oil industry’s contribution to the national GDP could increase by $2.52 billion, representing an approximate 5% growth.
PHC: a key player in sustainable palm oil production
While the expansion of this sector promises major economic benefits, it must be pursued within a responsible and ethical framework. Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the leading palm oil producer in the DRC, is playing a pivotal role in this transition. Aware of the environmental and social challenges, PHC is committed to promoting a production model that respects ecosystems while supporting government initiatives aimed at modernizing the industry and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
A future that matches the DRC’s potential
The DRC’s accession to the CPOPC signals the beginning of a new era for its palm oil industry. The country now has a unique opportunity to reconnect with its legacy as a major producer, while building a future rooted in innovation and sustainability.
If the right strategies are implemented, the DRC will not only bridge its production gap but also emerge as a significant force in the global market, strengthening its food sovereignty and economic influence.
From an untapped potential to a rising giant, the DRC stands on the brink of transforming its fertile lands into a powerful engine of growth and prosperity, benefiting its entire population.
