Olam International, a leading agri-business operating across the value chain in 66 countries received the “International Company of the Year” award in Africa at the Africa CEO Forum Awards 2018 held at the Sofitel Hotel in Abidjan on March, 26.

The company stood out on a night that recognised companies and investors that have shaped the year in Africa. Mr Ravi Pokhriyal, President and Regional Head for West Africa and MENA region was present to receive the award.

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious award amongst so much competition from other international companies. Olam was born in Africa and believes in its potential. We have 46,200 employees and support over 275,000 smallholders in Africa," Mr Pokhriyal said.

The ‘International Company of the Year Award’ is given to an international company that has achieved the most outstanding growth in Africa in a recent period and the criteria include the number of growth-operations in Africa within the past two years and the number of countries where the company is present (at least five).

The other criteria are Africa’s share in the total sales, the number of African employees on the continent, the company’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability activities as well as its capacity for innovation. 

The Africa CEO Forum Awards are in the 6th year running and are organised by the Jeune Afrique Group - a leading media group which specialises in the African continent and Rainbow Unlimited – a Swiss company specialised in introducing, promoting and facilitating business links between Switzerland and Africa.

The Awards scheme rewards companies and investors whose strategies are proof of their sheer determination to play a part in Africa's growth and is a unique platform for thought-provoking discussions that bring together more than 1,200 agitated minds to debate and exchange ideas on the issues affecting Africa's economic development each year.

Established in Ghana since 1994, Olam is among the largest private Licensed Buying Companies in Ghana’s Cocoa sector, the country’s leading cashew exporter and one of its largest importers of rice. In addition, Olam Ghana operates a tomato paste processing and canning facility, a state-of-the-art wheat flour mill and a biscuit manufacturing facility.

Growing together, Olam Ghana has created employment opportunities for over 850 staff members, supported by 1,200 seasonal workers.

Olam’s success in Ghana has been based on delivering value to farmers, customers and consumers through best in class operational capabilities and a long-term commitment to developing Ghana’s agricultural supply chains.