Although oil palm is native to West Africa, Africa as a continent is a net importer of palm oil, with production accounting for just 3.5% of global production. The growing international demand for edible oil, cosmetics, biofuel, lubricants, surfactants, energy, and other applications have boosted the growth of palm oil activities in Africa. In this context, in collaboration with APOI and in alliance with Proforest, TFA is commissioning research and analysis of the investment situation in the oil palm sector in APOI countries with the objective of building an investment case for oil palm development that creates jobs, protects the environment and improves rural development and livelihoods.

FACS, together with Solidaridad West Africa, will develop an investment analysis across the 10 APOI countries and identify three investment opportunities to boost the palm oil sector in West and Central Africa.