PALMOILMAGAZINE, KUALA LUMPUR – Africa is projected to become a decisive force in shaping the global palm oil market over the next decade, not only as a fast-growing consumption hub but also as an increasingly significant producer. The outlook is closely tied to the continent’s rapid population expansion and rising food demand.
Chief Sustainability Officer of Wilmar International, Jeremy Goon Kin Wai, said global palm oil players must begin shifting strategic attention toward Africa to capture long-term structural demand fueled by demographic growth.
“Africa will shape palm oil demand dynamics for decades to come, both as a consumer and as a producer. However, unlocking this market’s full potential will depend heavily on consistent and supportive policies, adequate infrastructure and logistics, clear land governance, and pragmatic sustainability frameworks,” said Jeremy, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Bernama on Wednesday (February 11, 2026).
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Africa’s population is projected to reach approximately 2.5 billion by 2050 and approach four billion by the end of the century. This demographic surge, Jeremy noted, will serve as a real test of palm oil’s competitiveness. The balance between affordability, regulatory pressures, and sustainability expectations will become increasingly critical as urbanization accelerates and food security concerns intensify.
Jeremy delivered his remarks during the CEO Roundtable session titled “The Next Decade for Malaysian Palm Oil” at the Palm and Lauric Oils Price Outlook Conference and Exhibition 2026 (POC 2026), held in Kuala Lumpur. The session was moderated by Belvinder Sron, CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council.
During the same forum, Datuk Fakhrunniam Othman, Group CEO of FGV Holdings Bhd, underscored land constraints as a pressing challenge for the global palm oil industry. He stressed that the industry must reassess not only global land availability but also how efficiently existing land resources are managed and utilized.
“Land expansion is no longer the primary growth driver. The industry’s future lies in productivity gains, operational optimization, and diversification strategies that create higher value,” Fakhrunniam stated.
He emphasized that land strategy should go beyond questions of acreage and yield performance. It must also focus on building long-term resilience, improving production system quality, and supporting broader socio-economic development at both community and national levels.
To strengthen yield growth, Fakhrunniam encouraged the industry to prioritize higher-quality planting materials, structured and efficient replanting programs, and operational excellence at the estate level.
As Africa’s demographic momentum accelerates, the message from industry leaders is clear: the next phase of global palm oil competition will not be won through expansion alone, but through strategic positioning, efficiency, and the ability to meet rising demand under tightening sustainability expectations. (P2)
