Is Africa open for investment in the palm oil sector?
The message is clear: Africa is open for investment in the palm oil sector, but will only welcome investments that comply with these principles. These apply as much to local producers as to international investors. One of Africa¡¯s challenges is that it consumes around 15% of global palm oil production, far more than it produces.
What is the sustainable West Africa palm oil programme (Swapp)?
The Sustainable West Africa Palm Oil Programme (SWAPP) was set up to improve the livelihoods of farmers, millers, and other actors in the palm oil supply chains of Ghana, Côte d¡¯Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. This was done via sustainable intensification of oil palm production and Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) processing.
How can palm oil avoid imports in West and Central Africa?
To avoid imports, domestic production must scale up significantly to meet the demand of rapidly growing populations across West and Central Africa. APOI is determined that growth in the domestic palm oil sector enhances the livelihoods of smallholders while preserving pristine forests and engaging with local communities.
Is the oil palm sector in West Africa aligned with government and development partners?
Overall, the oil palm sector in West Africa is not bristling with government and development partner initiatives. In the absence of strong policy and development partner support, SWAPP can be considered aligned or in any case not in contradiction or dupli- cative.