• Can palm oil from Zambia cut back on crude oil imports?
  • The plantation boasts 2,800 hectares of palm plants, which when harvested will produce crude palm oil that is the basic ingredient in most vegetable oils on the market in Zambia. The locally produced palm oil will enable government to cut back on crude palm oil imports which currently stand at over US$70 million annually.
  • Is Zambia suitable for growing palm oil?
  • Although Zambia is not a traditional growing region for palm oil, it offers a competitive advantage due to its proximity to consumers in the region. The cost of importing edible oil from the Far East can account for around a third of its retail price, making it worthwhile to grow palm oil in Zambia despite the lower yields.
  • What is zampalm in Mpika?
  • Zampalm in Mpika is Zambia’s first ever palm plantation. The plantation boasts 2,800 hectares of palm plants, which when harvested will produce crude palm oil that is the basic ingredient in most vegetable oils on the market in Zambia.
  • What is the edible oil market in Zambia?
  • The market for edible oils in Zambia, of which palm oil is one component, is estimated at 120,000 tonnes per year, and this is expected to continuing growing as the country develops further. More than half of Zambia’s edible oil consumption is imported from the Far East, East Africa and South Africa.
  • How many hectares of oil palms will be planted in Mbereshi?
  • He said that the company will initially set up a 100 hectares oil palm nursery in Mbereshi area before the 2019/20 rainy season. Mr. Alloo said the company will be planting 2000 hectares every year for the next five years to create 10,000 hectares.
  • How many hectares of oil palms will be planted each year?
  • Mr. Alloo said the company will be planting 2000 hectares every year for the next five years to create 10,000 hectares. And Mr. Chilangwa is confident that the project will succeed owing to the favourable climatic conditions that supports the growth of oil palms. He cited the Luapula River valley as the best place that will support the plantation.