Malaysia Refining Palm Oil Market Strategies Amid Growing Demand From Africa - Johari

PETALING JAYA, July 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysian palm oil products are experiencing rising demand for industrial applications, particularly in food processing from the Sub-Saharan African region, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

He said exports to North Africa rose by 63.5 per cent in 2024 while exports to Sub-Saharan Africa posted a 26 per cent year-on-year increase during the first five months of 2025.

Johari highlighted that North Africa, including Egypt, continues to serve as a strategic re-export hub for Malaysian palm oil, supplying markets across the region.

“To meet these evolving needs, Malaysia is refining its market strategies to support sector-specific growth, foster deeper commercial linkages, and ensure long-term relevance across diverse regional markets.

“The growing demand for value-added palm oil applications, such as specialty fats, oleochemicals, and food ingredients, offers tremendous potential to deepen Malaysia’s engagement in key markets,” he said in his opening remarks at the inaugural Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) Trade Networking Visit dialogue today. 

According to Johari, Malaysia aims to embed its palm oil more firmly into local and regional value chains, adding economic value beyond raw material supply by supporting the development of downstream sectors.

“This approach not only strengthens supply chain integration but also encourages joint ventures, technology transfer, and local processing partnerships, fostering long-term resilience and shared industrial growth,” he added. 

The MPOC Trade Networking Visit dialogue, which saw the participation of 56 buyers from the Middle East, North African, Sub-Saharan Africa, ASEAN and Central Asian regions, is aimed at strengthening Malaysia's position as a reliable global supplier of sustainable palm oil.

-- BERNAMA