AFRICA'S PALM OIL BOOM MUST PRIORITIZE SUSTAINABILITY, RSPO WARNS AHEAD OF NAIROBI FORUM.
BY NJOKI KARANJA
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 23, 2026.
As Africa positions itself as the next global frontier for palm oil production, sustainability experts are urging governments and investors to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of forests, biodiversity, and local communities.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has warned that the continent's rapidly expanding palm oil sector must be guided by strict environmental and human rights standards as multinational investments continue to flow into Africa's vast agricultural landscapes.
Speaking ahead of the RSPO Africa Supply Chain Forum 2026 in Nairobi, RSPO Africa Head of Operations, Elikplim Dziwomu Agbitor, said sustainable development of the industry depends on balancing the three pillars of "People, Planet and Prosperity."
"Africa's palm oil expansion presents enormous economic opportunities, but growth must not be achieved through environmental destruction or the violation of community rights," Agbitor said.
He emphasized that RSPO standards prohibit the clearing of primary forests and areas of high conservation value, while also requiring companies to respect land rights, protect workers, and conduct business ethically and transparently.
Agbitor noted that although Kenya does not currently have large-scale commercial palm oil cultivation, the country plays a strategic role in the regional value chain as Africa's third-largest consumer of palm oil. He added that a Kenyan company holds a majority stake in Uganda's largest commercial palm oil venture, giving Kenya significant influence over regional production and supply chains.
He called on African governments to honour commitments under the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative by eliminating environmental risks from agricultural supply chains.
The RSPO also highlighted the critical role of smallholder farmers, who account for nearly 70 percent of Africa's palm oil production. According to RSPO Africa Smallholder Manager Edem Asimadu, sustainable transformation of the sector will not be possible unless small-scale producers gain access to certification and premium markets.
To support farmers, the organization has simplified compliance requirements through its Independent Smallholder Standard and introduced mobile technology that allows growers to conduct boundary mapping and conservation assessments using Android devices.
In addition, the RSPO Smallholder Support Fund has invested more than $800,000 in Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone to help farmer groups establish legal structures and meet certification audit costs.
RSPO Market Technical Manager Victor Yuh Tamanjong said demand for certified sustainable palm oil is increasing across global supply chains as manufacturers and refiners seek to reduce reputational and financial risks.
He noted that certified sustainable palm oil often attracts premium prices, creating direct financial incentives for producers who adopt responsible farming practices.
The discussions come as industry leaders, policymakers, sustainability experts, and businesses gather in Nairobi for the RSPO Africa Supply Chain Forum 2026. The forum is expected to focus on responsible sourcing, certification requirements, supply chain traceability, retailer engagement, and emerging market trends shaping the future of the palm oil industry.
With Africa's influence in the global palm oil sector continuing to expand, stakeholders say the challenge now is ensuring that growth delivers economic benefits while safeguarding ecosystems and protecting the rights of communities that depend on the land.
