Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) had the privilege of welcoming His Excellency Daniel Mukoko Samba, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the National Economy, to its Yaligimba site in Mongala province from October 14 to 15, 2025. The visit was part of an official mission by the Congolese Government aimed at promoting economic diversification and recognizing private sector companies that actively contribute to the country’s social and industrial development.
A Visit Focused on Strengthening the Agro-Industrial Sector
Upon his arrival at Yaligimba airstrip, His Excellency Daniel Mukoko Samba was warmly welcomed by Ms. Monique Gieskes, Chief Executive Officer of PHC, accompanied by several company managers.
The visit began with a working session during which Ms. Gieskes presented PHC’s activities, achievements, and development prospects.
Employing over 10,000 people, PHC plays a major role in the economic growth and social development of rural areas. The company plans to expand its activities into refining and energy recovery, particularly through biogas production, as part of a focus on sustainability and industrial innovation.
During this exchange, the Vice Prime Minister and the CEO of PHC also discussed prospects for collaboration between the Government and the private sector to strengthen the development of the agro-industrial sector, a driver of economic growth and job creation in the DRC.
The delegation then visited several facilities at the Yaligimba site, including the oil palm and cocoa nurseries, as well as the palm oil production plant, where the Vice Prime Minister commended the local expertise and technical mastery of PHC’s teams.
The Vice Prime Minister also took part in the morning roll call alongside PHC workers, praising their commitment, discipline, and essential contribution to the company’s success. He then participated in a symbolic harvest of oil palm and cocoa bunches, a strong gesture illustrating his support for the development of the Congolese agricultural sector.
“The DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt and the second for copper. But that is not enough. We must diversify our economy through agro-industry, meaning we must produce and process our resources locally, through industrialization,” declared the Vice Prime Minister.
PHC, a Committed Actor for Socio-Economic Development in Rural Areas
The program continued with the discovery of social infrastructure built by PHC for the benefit of local communities. His Excellency Daniel Mukoko visited the Isamba health center and Yamaya school, two emblematic projects resulting from the social clauses signed between PHC and the communities.
He also went to Pembe Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in the region, managed by PHC, which provides free, quality care to employees and their families, as well as to members of surrounding communities through subsidized prices.
Subsequently, he visited the women’s empowerment field, developed as part of the “Empow’Her” program. Initiated by PHC, this program supports rural women in developing sustainable micro-agricultural activities, thereby promoting their economic independence.
At the conclusion of the Vice Prime Minister’s visit to the Yaligimba site, Ms. Monique Gieskes expressed her gratitude on behalf of the entire company:
“The presence of the Vice Prime Minister at PHC’s site in Yaligimba confirms the willingness of the Government, under the leadership of the Head of State, His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to place agriculture and agro-industry at the heart of the country’s economic transformation. This visit marks a new beginning for PHC and a step towards accelerating our projects in Yaligimba, Lokutu, and Boteka,” she stated.
This mission to the Yaligimba site highlighted the central role of PHC in promoting a sustainable national agro-industry that creates jobs and brings added value to rural communities.
