Plizio Visual Lab

Congo Palm Oil Plantation

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The palm oil plantations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent a vital agricultural sector with deep historical roots. Large-scale cultivation began in 1911 when the colonial administration granted land to the Huileries du Congo Belge, founded by William Lever. Geographically, these plantations are primarily situated in the humid tropical climates of the Equateur, Mongala, and Tshopo provinces, where the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) thrives. Today, the sector is dominated by companies like PHC, which manages tens of thousands of hectares and supports local infrastructure. Culturally, palm oil is an indispensable ingredient in Congolese cuisine, used as the primary cooking fat and in the famous Moambe sauce. Modern rehabilitation projects aim to restore old industrial sites to boost production and provide employment for rural communities. Currently, the DRC produces over 300,000 tons of crude palm oil annually for both domestic and regional markets. Despite past challenges, the industry remains a cornerstone of the nation's efforts toward agricultural self-sufficiency and economic diversification.

Location: Congo - Kinshasa
Nearby: Ubundu (66 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	26	25	25	25	25	25	25	24	24	24	24
Rain mm	78	120	161	172	124	117	115	135	145	184	162	130

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This palm oil plantation in the central basin of DR Congo supplies a staple food for local cuisine and an important raw material for national industry. It shapes the region's economy and provides work for thousands of people.

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Visiting

The plantations stretch over vast areas and are often visible from main roads, but access is usually restricted to authorized personnel. From the outside, the characteristic oil palms with their fruit bunches can be recognized.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is an elevated section of road, from where the endless rows of oil palms stretch to the horizon. Riverbanks along the plantations also offer an impressive perspective on the green, uniform canopy of the trees.

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Local products

In the villages, traditionally made red palm oil is often sold in bottles, as well as fresh palm fruits. Soaps and cosmetics based on palm oil are also typical local products.

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Active season

The main harvest season for palm fruits is in the dry season, but harvests are carried out regularly throughout the year. During the harvest, many people work at cutting the fruit bunches and transporting them to the oil mill.

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Nearby

A visit to the palm oil plantation can be combined with a journey through the central rainforests of DR Congo, rich in biodiversity. Exploring the river landscape of the Congo is also recommended.