At a Glance
- Africa’s leading palm oil producers are modernizing farms to boost yields and regional output.
- Rising global demand is driving investment in sustainable palm oil across multiple African markets.
- Governments are expanding smallholder programs to strengthen production and reduce reliance on imports.
Africa’s palm oil industry is expanding as countries modernize farms, support smallholders and attract new investment.
While Indonesia and Malaysia dominate global supply, Africa, home to the oil palm tree, is regaining ground in a market it once shaped.
Today, production fuels rural incomes, strengthens local manufacturing and draws interest from investors and policymakers seeking new agricultural growth engines.
As global demand rises, African producers are prioritizing sustainable expansion, higher yields and better processing capacity.
Palm oil remains one of the world’s most traded agricultural commodities, shaping food, cosmetics, energy and manufacturing.
Across Africa, the sector supports millions of households, anchors rural economies and provides governments with new investment opportunities.
Despite its potential, the industry faces challenges, deforestation, land disputes, aging plantations and low-yield farming practices.
Many governments are responding with policies that promote sustainability, boost productivity and expand agro-processing.
Shore Africa profiles 10 countries shaping Africa’s palm oil sector today.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria produces about 1.4 million metric tons annually, making it Africa’s top producer and the world’s fifth largest. The southern belt offers ideal growing conditions, and smallholder farmers form the backbone of the sector. In recent years, the government and private investors have revived dormant plantations and encouraged large-scale investment.
The top leading palm oil companies in Nigeria are: Presco Plc, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Dufil Prima Foods, and Saro Oil Palm.
2. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire produces roughly 600,000 metric tons, supported by organized plantations, state oversight, and a strong processing sector. The country has become a regional supplier, exporting to neighbors facing domestic shortages. New initiatives focus on improving yields and strengthening smallholder networks essential to sustaining growth.
The top five leading palm oil companies in Côte d’Ivoire are PALMCI, Sipef-CI, Palmafrique, SOGB, and Dekeloil. PALMCI is the largest
3. Cameroon
Cameroon’s 465,000 metric tons reflect decades of commercial cultivation on large estates. Domestic demand, driven by households and food companies, exceeds supply. This gap has prompted efforts to modernize aging facilities and expand production with coordinated public and private investment.
The top five palm oil companies in Cameroon are: SOCAPALM, SAFACAM, the Swiss Farm, CDC, and PAMOL. Of these, the French group Bolloré owns SOCAPALM, SAFACAM, and the Swiss Farm, while CDC and PAMOL are state-owned companies.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo
The DRC produces around 300,000 metric tons, but experts say the country could become one of Africa’s largest producers. Vast arable land, favorable climate, and historic plantations provide a strong foundation. Political instability, weak infrastructure, and cautious investors continue to slow progress, though interest in long-term opportunities is quietly growing.
The top palm oil companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo include: Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), Groupe agro-pastoral (GAP) (part of the Blattner Group), Miluna, Brabanta, and Feronia. PHC is a major historical player, while GAP operates a large plantation, and other companies like Miluna and Brabanta are active participants in the sector.
5. Ghana
Ghana’s palm oil industry also produces about 300,000 metric tons. Programs supporting smallholders, rural processing centers, and private-sector outgrower schemes are expanding the sector steadily. Palm oil is increasingly seen as a pathway to industrial growth, not just an agricultural product.
The top palm oil companies in Ghana include: Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited (BOPP), which is described as the largest producer, and major importers like Permata International, Wilmar Trading, and Virgoz Oils and Fats.
6. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone produces about 75,000 metric tons, reflecting a decade of agricultural recovery. International agribusinesses, cooperatives, and local entrepreneurs have revived plantations and established new production hubs, gradually positioning the country as a contributor to West Africa’s supply.
The top palm oil companies in Sierra Leone are Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC), which is the largest producer, followed by Goldtree and Africa Immersive Manufacturing Company Limited (AIMCO)
7. Angola
Angola produces roughly 55,000 metric tons. Though its climate and land are suitable for oil palms, inadequate infrastructure and processing capacity have limited expansion. As the country diversifies beyond oil, palm oil is gaining attention from both policymakers and investors.
8. Guinea
Guinea produces 50,000 metric tons, mainly through smallholders. Government programs aim to boost agro-processing and modernize farming, which could lift production in the coming years.
9. Liberia
Liberia’s 45,000 metric tons are supported by large concessions and smallholder farms. Post-conflict rebuilding and infrastructure improvements are slowly enabling growth, though progress remains measured.
The top palm oil companies in Liberia include the large-scale international operators Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) and Sime Darby, as well as local companies like Libinco Oil Palm, Mano Palm Oil Industries Limited, and Maryland Oil Palm Plantation Inc..
10. Senegal
Senegal produces 14,000 metric tons. Though production is small-scale, government pilot programs and rising interest suggest the country could expand its role in Africa’s palm oil landscape in the coming years.
