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The letter points to the importance of palm oil in two major ways: job creation and food production, two initiatives that align with the ideals of the World Bank. In Nigeria alone, 1.8 million jobs are provided by palm oil producers and smallholder farmers. IPPA's latest study shows that palm oil is an essential food item, with about 90 percent ending up in food products.
The letter was signed by leading Africans, including:
- George Ayittey, Global Cheetah Palm Oil Company (Ghana)
- Thompson Ayodele, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (Nigeria)
- Eustace Davie, Free Market Foundation for Southern Africa (South Africa)
- Paul Adepelumi, African Center for Advocacy and Human Development (Nigeria)
- Richard Tren, Africa Fighting Malaria (South Africa)
- Franklin Cudjoe, IMANI Center for Policy and Education (Ghana)
- Rejoice Ngwenya, Coalition for Market and Liberal Solutions (Zimbabwe)
- Olusegun Sotola, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (Nigeria)
Click here to read the letter.
The Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA), the 2005 award-winning organization, is Nigeria's public policy research institute or think tank. Its major concern is with the principles and institutions that enhance economic development and wealth creation, with particular focus on Africa and Nigeria.