Casablanca, February 22, 2025 – Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), CEO, Monique Gieskes is this year’s awardee of the “Special African Business Leadership Commendation” from the African Leadership Magazine, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment towards driving PHC’s transformation.
A Prestigious Distinction Recognizing Bold and Inspiring Leadership
Following a rigorous and merit-based selection process by our editorial board, Ms. Gieskes received the award from H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Advisory Board of African Leadership Magazine at the 14ᵗʰ edition of African Leadership Magazine Personality of the Year Awards, held in Casablanca, Morocco. The former President termed Ms. Gieskes as a visionary leader, playing a bold role in shaping Africa’s future. He highlighted her remarkable contributions to innovation and sustainable socio-economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent.
- In just four years, Monique Gieskes has spearheaded a remarkable strategic transformation at PHC, infusing new energy into the company. Under her leadership, bold reforms have been implemented to strengthen governance, double the workforce, and boost productivity, while integrating sustainable and innovative practices across all operations. Beyond financial performance, she has placed community involvement at the core of PHC’s mission, making social responsibility a fundamental priority.
A Recognition Celebrating PHC’s Team
Upon receiving the award, Monique Gieskes said:
“I am deeply honored by this award from the African Leadership Magazine. Beyond myself, this award is unquestionably dedicated to PHC’s 10,000 employees. Every progress we make is as a result of their commitment and constant desire to do better. Today, PHC is the largest private employer in the DRC and the leading producer of sustainable palm oil in Central Africa. Our vision is to create shared prosperity through agribusiness. This success is the work of dedicated employees: agricultural engineers, harvesters, weeders, pruners, nursery teams who look after our seedlings, administrative staff, each and every employee. At every level, every gesture counts, and every action contributes to building this collective success. This prize is their victory as much as mine. Thanks to their trust and determination, we have made PHC recognized as a key player in agriculture in the DRC, producing palm oil responsibly and sustainably, while generating social and economic impact for isolated local communities living in areas over 2,000 km from the capital.”
She added:
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to our investor and majority shareholder, Kuramo Capital Management, for believing in PHC’s ability to reinvent itself and thrive. This success story is clear proof that a company run by Africans, for Africans, can thrive and embody a model of equal opportunity and sustainable development. To all investors: have faith in the future of the DRC. The challenges are real, but our resilience and leadership open the way to new opportunities. Agriculture, in particular, is a powerful lever for building sustainable prosperity, capable of transforming lives and boosting the economy.”
Strategic Support from Kuramo Capital Management
Also present during the awards ceremony in Casablanca was Shaka Kariuki, Co- CEO, Kuramo Capital Management that is the majority shareholder of PHC, who congratulated Ms, Giekes for the recognition and for putting PHC on the global map.
“This prestigious award is a significant milestone and demonstration of the exceptional work Ms. Gieskes has done at PHC, turning around a loss-making company to profitability within 4 years and increasing PHCs production of palm oil. Ms. Gieskes embodies the spirit of excellence that has spread through the organization, underpinned by Kuramos vision of shared prosperity. In an industry dominated by male leadership, Ms. Gieskes continues to prove over and over again that identifying strong local talent in countries we have invested in and empowering the individuals to actualize the business strategy will steer the company to the next level and this remains fundamental to the success of every business,” said Mr. Kariuki
Person of the Year Awards: Celebrating African Leaders
The Person of the Year Awards by African Leadership Magazine recognize visionary leaders who are shaping the development and transformation of the African continent. The 2025 edition, a major event, brought together more than 400 delegates in person, including several eminent figures from the world of politics, finance, and business, such as H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar; H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania; Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria; H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Somalia; Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, CEO of FirstBank Group, Nigeria; and Prof. Kevin Chika Urama, Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.
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For further information, please contact: Cynthia Bashizi
Communications Director, PHC cynthia.bashizi@phc-congo.com
About PHC
Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) is the leading producer of sustainable palm oil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company specializes in the production of crude palm oil and palm kernel oil from its sustainably managed plantations in Lokutu (Tshopo Province), Yaligimba (Mongala Province), and Boteka (Equateur Province). With over 100 years of expertise, PHC is the country’s second-largest employer and plays a key role in promoting food security and responsible agricultural practices. All the company’s production is dedicated to local consumption, directly contributing to the well-being of Congolese communities and the national economy.
Committed to a strict zero-deforestation policy, PHC works to preserve ecosystems while rehabilitating degraded land. The company also adopts innovative farming practices to boost productivity and meet growing market demands.
Beyond its commitment to sustainability, PHC leads ambitious social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for its employees and local communities. The company manages the largest private hospital network in the DRC, providing quality healthcare to its employees and over 150,000 people living near its operational sites. PHC also focuses on improving access to clean drinking water and supports education by rehabilitating schools to provide safe and suitable learning environments for rural communities.
For more information, visit: www.phc-congo.com
