On the occasion of World Charity Day on September 5, 2023, Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the largest industrial palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, announced the launch of a public service non-profit organization called the PHC Foundation. World Charity Day, established in 2013 by the United Nations (UN) in memory of Mother Teresa, aims to mobilize public opinion and stakeholders around the world to help others through philanthropic and voluntary activities. Following the example of Mother Teresa who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her efforts in the fight to overcome poverty, the PHC Foundation is committed to generating a positive impact on the well-being of communities in rural areas of the DRC, particularly those which border the company's operational sites.
The PHC Foundation aims to promote the creation of shared prosperity as well as sustainable development in the areas of agriculture, health, hygiene, nutrition, water access, education, decent housing, energy and environmental protection. The PHC Foundation will implement programs promoting social inclusion, equal opportunity and sustainability. By partnering closely with local communities, the Foundation will aim to create lasting change and a better future for people in rural areas of the DRC.
“We believe that prosperity should be shared equitably and that every individual should have the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life. By launching the foundation, we aim to bring about meaningful and lasting change in the communities where we operate. We want to be a catalyst for progress and growth for all,” says Monique Gieskes, Director General of PHC.
About PHC
Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) is the largest industrial producer of palm oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Created in 1911, the company has had four names throughout its history: Huileries du Congo Belge (HCB) at its creation, Plantations Lever au Congo (PLC) after the independence of the DRC, followed by Plantations Lever au Zaïre (PLZ) in 1971, and finally Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) since 1997.
The company has three operating sites located in the provinces of Tshopo, Mongala and Equateur. Through its activities, PHC creates more than 7.500 direct jobs, making the company the largest private sector employer in the DRC. In addition, the company promotes the creation of opportunities, not only for its workers and their families, but also for local populations through a rigorous approach to sustainable development. The company has 4 hospitals, 3 health centers and 18 dispensaries that serve approximately 150 000 people. PHC has also drilled more than 70 boreholes both outside and inside its sites, allowing local populations to benefit from better access to drinking water. Since 2018, the company has also built 19 schools, improving the learning conditions of more than 6.000 children.