- Kuramo Capital invested in Plantations et huileries du Congo – PHC in 2017,
acquiring majority shareholding of 76% in 2020
- PHC is the second largest employer to Government in DRC with over 10,000
employees.
London, United Kingdom, July 2, 2025 – Kuramo Capital Management CEO and Founder Wale Adeosun has called on investors to invest in Africa championing for the power of long-term, impact-driven investment to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. As a leading voice in African private equity and frontier markets, Adeosun emphasized the importance of backing businesses that generate inclusive growth and shared value.
Speaking during the 11th edition of the Africa Debate Conference, riding on the conference’s theme ‘Harnessing Natural Capital for Growth’,Adeosun highlighted the transformation of Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC), the largest industrial palm oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as a successful example of Kuramo Capital’s investment philosophy. Under Kuramo’s majority ownership, PHC—one of the DRC’s oldest and largest agribusinesses—has undergone a profound evolution, embedding sustainability, community empowerment, and operational excellence at its core.
“At Kuramo, we believe that investing in Africa means investing in its people. PHC exemplifies how patient capital, local partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability can unlock not just business success, but long-term socio-economic impact,” said Mr. Adeosun.
Kuramo Capital has been instrumental in PHC’s restructuring—supporting governance reforms, building capacity across operations, and prioritizing education, health, and infrastructure in surrounding communities. Through its impact-first approach, Kuramo has helped PHC become more than a palm oil producer—it has become a catalyst for rural development and economic resilience in the DRC.
Kuramo Capital invested in Plantations et huileries du Congo – PHC, in 2017 and acquired 76% stake in 2020. Kuramo’s focus was to Modernize the business, boost performance, and maximize social impact. This strategy has seen PHC’s production double in just five years, with only a 12% increase in planted area and the number of women employees increasing three-fold.
“PHC’s impact goes far beyond industrial performance. It is a model of inclusive, community-driven development. Through PHC, we operate 4 hospitals, with 460 beds and records 160,000 consultations, offering free healthcare for all employees. We have built and renovated 40 public schools serving over 7,000 pupils and dug 72 water boreholes serving neighboring villages. To us, it is all about this shared prosperity, added Mr. Adeosun.
Today, PHC cultivates 25,000 hectares—just 30% of its 107,000-hectare concession. 30% of its land is preserved as High Conservation Value (HCV) forest, and 40% used by local communities for food crops and livelihoods.
PHC is fully committed to zero deforestation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable expansion. Its future growth is targeted from rehabilitating old, abandoned concessions.
Mr. Adeosun’s participation at The Africa Debate reaffirms Kuramo Capital’s position as a leading advocate for responsible investment across the continent. As Africa faces complex development challenges, his message was clear: the future lies with investors who are willing to build, nurture, and lead with purpose.
Kuramo Capital Management has direct and indirect investments in 200 companies in 30 Sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria and Kenya. They have invested in various sectors including Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, Infrastructure-Power, Agribusiness, Technology, and Financial Services.
The Africa Debate Conference by Invest Africa brings together a network of over 700 investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders from government agencies, commercial banks, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and top companies across energy, oil & gas, technology, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, logistics, and beyond.
