Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the largest private employer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced on Thursday September 19 the appointment of Jean Muntuabu Luabeya as Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA), in accordance with the company’s articles of association and the OHADA (Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires) law governing commercial companies.
The new PCA has been appointed on the proposal of the Congolese government, through the Minister of Portfolio, and following PHC’s Board of Directors meeting on September 12. This appointment was approved by all shareholders at PHC’s Ordinary General Meeting held on Thursday September 19. Four other new directors also joined PHC’s Board of Directors at the close of the meeting.
The appointment of Jean Muntuabu Luabeya as the new PCA brings to an end the interim tenure of Botho Lisasi Blanchard, appointed as President ad hoc by the Kinshasa / Gombe Commercial Court, whose leadership was crucial in ensuring a smooth transition in the company’s governance during a period of strategic reorganization.
An experienced professional at the helm of PHC’s Board of Directors
With 30 years’ professional experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo and abroad, Jean Muntuabu Luabeya brings PHC proven expertise in management and governance.
The new PCA began his career in 1993 as a stewardship officer at the Primature of the DRC. In 2001, he joined the Ministry of National Economy as a research attaché, where he played a key role in the development of prudent economic policies, analyzing consumer price indices.
In 2020, he was appointed advisor to the Economic and Social Council of the Presidency of the Republic of the DRC, before being elected Senator for the province of Kasaï Central in 2024.
Consolidating and strengthening PHC’s position
As PCA of PHC, Jean Muntuabu Luabeya is committed to consolidating and strengthening the company’s position as a leader in sustainable palm oil in the DRC. His mandate is underpinned by a renewed vision aimed at sustaining PHC’s growth and positive impact in the agricultural sector, and securing investors and their assets in the DRC.
Regarding his appointment, Jean Muntuabu Luabeya said : « I am honored to have been chosen to chair the company’s Board of Directors. Plantations et Huileries du Congo. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Republic, for his trust and commitment to revitalizing public enterprises so that they become drivers of our nation’s economic development. With 10.000 employees, PHC is an iconic company and a major pillar of the agricultural sector in the DRC for 113 years. Working alongside the management team, our partners and majority shareholders, we will continue to build PHC’s future on the solid foundations laid by my predecessors. I thank the Board of Directors and shareholders for their trust and I commit to carrying out my mandate with integrity and transparency. »
Wale Adeosun, Chairman of Kuramo Capital Management, Majority Shareholder of PHC commented : « The appointment of Mr.Jean Muntuabu Luabeya marks an important milestone for PHC and we congratulate the President of the Republic, the Minister of Portfolio and all Congolese authorities for this designation in accordance with the company’s statutes. PHC has always been an essential partner of the Congolese government. Initiatives in health, education, access to drinking water and infrastructure development with the development of agricultural access roads have a remarkable impact on the lives of communities. As majority shareholders, with the designation ofMr.Jean Muntuabu Luabeya, we are delighted that our collaboration continues to strengthen with the Congolese State, and we hope that this privileged partnership will continue for the well-being of all. “
Monique Gieskes, Managing Director of PHC, also welcomed this appointment. : ” We are delighted to welcome Mr. Jean Muntuabu Luabeya as Chairman of the Board of Directors. We remain convinced that his expertise, experience and strategic vision will bring invaluable value to PHC. As the largest producer of sustainable palm oil in the DRC and the largest private employer in this sector with 10.000 direct contracts, PHC plays a key role in the development of the national agricultural industry and contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. We look forward to working closely with him to continue strengthening our position as the leading palm oil producer in the DRC and consolidating our social footprint for the well-being of the Congolese people in general. His appointment is also an important milestone for PHC, and I am confident that with his leadership, we will reach new heights. »
Pillar of the national economy
PHC is a pillar of the national economy and the largest private employer in the DRC, with more than 10 employees under direct contract. Palm oil production is spread over its 3 operating sites located in northeastern DRC, namely Boteka (Equateur Province), Yaligimba (Mongala Province) and Lokutu (Tshopo Province).
Between 000 and 2021, the company recruited 2024 new employees, contributing significantly to reducing unemployment in the country. Since the majority shareholder, Kuramo Capital Management, installed new Congolese leadership in 3, PHC has embarked on a path of sustainable growth, focused on shared prosperity and social responsibility. With an average annual growth of 500% and ambitious projects under development, PHC is well positioned to continue to be a leader in the palm oil sector in Africa.
Furthermore, PHC is committed to improving the living conditions of local communities by investing in health, education and infrastructure. The company has an extensive network of 4 modern hospitals, with a capacity to accommodate 460 patients, as well as 3 health centers and 18 dispensaries for basic care. PHC has also built and equipped 24 primary schools, accommodating more than 7 children, and installed 000 boreholes to provide drinking water to surrounding communities.
