Palm oil is a versatile and widely-used ingredient in many products we use daily, due to its high melting point and relatively low cost.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are the top three producers of palm oil, with several African and South American countries also significant contributors.
Although palm oil has brought income to rural communities in poorer nations, it has resulted in devastating environmental impacts and human rights violations.
Despite the challenges, the demand for palm oil continues to grow due to its low cost and high melting point, making it a ubiquitous ingredient in numerous products we use daily, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels.
Top 10 African countries producing Palm Oil(Amount of Palm Oil produced in African countries in 2022/2023)
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- Nigeria: With a production of 1.4 million metric tons, Nigeria is the fifth-largest producer of palm oil in the world and the top producer in Africa. The country has a long history of palm oil production and is well-suited for its cultivation due to its tropical climate.
- Cote d'Ivoire: Also known as Ivory Coast, this West African nation produced 600,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. Palm oil is one of the country's main agricultural products, and the government is investing in expanding the industry.
- Cameroon: Cameroon is another West African country that has been producing palm oil for decades. It is the 12th-largest producer in the world, with an output of 465,000 metric tons.
- Ghana: Ghana's palm oil industry is still relatively small, with a production of 300,000 metric tons. However, the government has identified it as a priority sector for development, and investments are being made to expand the industry.
- Congo (Kinshasa): Also known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, this country produced 300,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry has faced challenges due to political instability and a lack of infrastructure.
- Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone produced 75,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry has been growing in recent years, and the government is promoting it as a way to diversify the country's economy.
- Angola: Angola produced 55,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry has faced challenges due to a lack of investment and infrastructure, but the government is working to promote it as a priority sector.
- Guinea: Guinea produced 50,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry has potential for growth, and the government is working to promote it as a way to create jobs and increase exports.
- Liberia: Liberia produced 45,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry has been growing in recent years, and the government is investing in expanding it.
- Senegal: Senegal produced 14,000 metric tons of palm oil in the latest estimates. The industry is still in its early stages, but the government is promoting it as a way to reduce the country's dependence on food imports.
Note: This is a Business Insider Article
