Palm oil is traditionally, and still industrially, produced by milling the fruits of oil palm. Besides milling, palm oil is produced by cold-pressing the fruit of the oil palm since the 1990s. This type of artisanal palm oil is usually not further refined, so they keep the natural red color.
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.
Where does palm oil come from?
Although 85% of the world¡¯s palm oil comes from Malaysia and Indonesia, the palm oil plant is native to West Africa. It thrives in the same warm, damp equatorial climate as some of the planet¡¯s most biodiverse and carbon-rich tropical forests.
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.