Malaysia Palm Oil Council Hosts Networking Program in Ghana to Strengthen Palm Oil Trade and Sustainability


The Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC) recently organized a Trade and Networking Programme in Accra, Ghana, on November 8, 2024. This event aimed to promote Malaysian palm oil products and explore collaboration opportunities within Ghana's growing edible oil market. The program reflects Malaysia's commitment to expanding its presence in West Africa while advancing sustainable palm oil practices.


Representatives from three leading Malaysian palm oil companies—KLK, Able Perfect, and Alami Commodities—participated in the event to showcase their products, quality standards, and industry expertise. This gathering provided a platform for Malaysian companies to connect with potential clients and partners in Ghana, fostering relationships that could drive growth and innovation within the Ghanaian palm oil industry.


Syed Nauzer Idid, Malaysia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Ghana, highlighted the significance of the program as a step toward deepening economic ties between the two countries. He emphasized that this networking event aligns with shared objectives to boost trade and foster sustainable practices within the palm oil sector.


Theventharan Batumalai, Regional Director of MPOC’s Sub-Saharan Africa office, underscored the current challenges West African buyers face in finding dependable suppliers of high-quality palm oil. Batumalai explained that the MPOC initiative aims to connect regional buyers directly with Malaysian producers, addressing demand for quality palm oil to support growing industries.


He also noted the importance of palm oil beyond plantation and milling processes, as it is a key ingredient for various downstream sectors in West Africa, such as cooking oil production, personal care products, and confectionery. Expanding the availability of Malaysian palm oil in these industries can help strengthen local economies and provide more affordable, high-quality products for consumers.


Addressing industry challenges, Batumalai acknowledged concerns about some West African producers using Sudan dye to enhance the red color of palm oil. He clarified that color is not an indicator of quality or health benefits, and encouraged focusing on the product’s overall quality and sustainability.


The Malaysia-Ghana palm oil networking event represents a strategic effort to enhance trade and sustainable practices within the palm oil sector, fostering valuable partnerships to benefit both economies. This initiative not only strengthens Malaysia's foothold in West Africa but also supports Ghana’s economic growth by promoting sustainable, high-quality palm oil solutions for local industries.

Story by Mizpah Ampem Darko.

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