The market for edible oils in Zambia, of which palm oil is one component, is estimated at 120,000 tonnes per year, and this is expected to continuing growing as the country develops further. More than half of Zambia¡¯s edible oil consumption is imported from the Far East, East Africa and South Africa.
Can palm oil from Zambia cut back on crude oil imports?
The plantation boasts 2,800 hectares of palm plants, which when harvested will produce crude palm oil that is the basic ingredient in most vegetable oils on the market in Zambia. The locally produced palm oil will enable government to cut back on crude palm oil imports which currently stand at over US$70 million annually.
Is palm oil a profitable business?
Though very lucrative, the palm oil business is commonly overlooked. Palm oil is the most consumed edible oil worldwide, as it is a popular food ingredient in Africa and some parts of Asia (such as in Malaysia and Indonesia). Palm oil is in greatest demand in West Africa, where it is used in almost every home for cooking and few other purposes.
What is zampalm in Mpika?
Zampalm in Mpika is Zambia¡¯s first ever palm plantation. The plantation boasts 2,800 hectares of palm plants, which when harvested will produce crude palm oil that is the basic ingredient in most vegetable oils on the market in Zambia.