Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the leading palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, participated in the Palm Oil International Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC 2025), one of the world’s largest global forums for palm oil. Organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), the event took place from 18–20 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The PHC delegation was led by Monique Gieskes, Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Wale Adeosun, Chairman of Kuramo Capital Management and majority shareholder of PHC, and partners Shaka Kariuki and Kamal Pallan.
PHC – A Strong African Voice on the Global Stage
PHC’s participation underscores its ambition to reposition the DRC as a major player in sustainable palm oil. At the Global Economics and Marketing (GEM) Conference, Mrs. Gieskes delivered a keynote address titled, “Transforming Agriculture for Inclusive Growth in the DRC.”
She outlined PHC’s modern, sustainable agro-industrial model; commitment to replanting and responsible land management; empowerment of women and youth in the workforce amd reinforcement of socio-economic development in rural communities
Showcasing the DRC’s Global Contribution to Palm Oil, Mrs. Gieskes highlighted the scientific legacy of the DRC, particularly the Dura × Pisifera hybrid, discovered in Yangambi – now the global standard for plantation productivity and the Mongana Report, a cornerstone technical document that remains the international reference for palm oil mill extraction principles.
“The DRC is the birthplace of the oil palm. The Dura × Pisifera hybrid originated here. The Mongana Report, also of Congolese origin, is used worldwide and remains the reference for palm oil extraction,” said Mrs. Gieskes.
She emphasized that the DRC’s young, skilled, and abundant workforce—combined with vast agronomic potential—positions the country as a leading destination for long-term investment.
The Congo fully belongs on the global palm oil map. With our immense human and natural potential, we call on investors to seize the opportunities in the DRC. The Congo is the next frontier of palm oil,” she added.
DRC’s Accession to the CPOPC: A Strategic Gateway for Expansion
The country’s entry into the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in March 2025 marks a pivotal milestone—one strongly supported by PHC.
CPOPC membership places the DRC at the center of discussions on industry governance; sustainability standards; innovation, and long-term sector development.
“CPOPC membership opens new avenues for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and stronger synergies between Asia and our country. It sends a powerful signal to investors,” stated Mrs. Gieskes.
With PHC’s facilitation, two key initiatives have began including a visit to the DRC by a technical team from CPOPC to support the Ministry of Agriculture in aligning national strategy with global standards and a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training program for smallholders in Yaligimba, delivered by CPOPC experts.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting future initiatives in this collaboration between the Government and CPOPC,” she Mrs. Gieskes.
PHC: A Company With Purpose and Impact
Since 2020, backed by Kuramo Capital Management, PHC has undergone a deep operational and social transformation. A Congolese-led management team has delivered strong results.
Performance Achievements (2021–2025)
- Production tripled (+200%)
- Operating costs reduced by nearly 50%
- Workforce expanded to over 10,900 employees—the largest private-sector employer in the DRC
- Female workforce increased from 4.1% to 16%, supported by PHC’s adherence to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS)
PHC adheres to a strict zero-deforestation policy, focusing replanting efforts exclusively on previously exploited concessions.
Additionally, PHC operates 4 hospitals, 4 health centers and 18 clinics, serving nearly 150,000 people. The company has built around 40 schools, providing education to over 10,000 children across its operation sites. Through the PHC Academy, more than 1,200 employees were trained between 2021 and 2025.
Looking Ahead: Innovation, Partnerships, and Growth
PHC’s next phase of development focuses on technology transfer, agronomic innovation, and strengthening long-term commercial partnerships.
Upcoming investments include increasing mill capacity, construction of a palm oil refinery and developing a biogas plant for renewable energy generation.
Through its leadership at PIPOC 2025, PHC reaffirms its commitment to responsible sector transformation and to strengthening the DRC’s role in the global agro-industrial economy.
Held under the theme “Transforming Today, Empowering Tomorrow Through Innovation,” PIPOC 2025 gathered more than 2,000 delegates, 100 international speakers, 200 scientific presentations and 400 exhibitors from around the world.
