Douala, Cameroon – July 27, 2026 – Olam Agri, in partnership with Roots & Suits Empower Foundation (RSEF),
has launched ‘A Tree for the Future’, a national reforestation and environmental sustainability initiative aimed at
mobilising the private sector, public institutions and civil society to restore urban ecosystems through large-scale
tree planting and community-led environmental stewardship.
The initiative supports Cameroon’s commitment to restore 12 million hectares of forest by 2030 and underscores
the critical role of collaborative action in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
As part of the programme, Olam Agri has joined the collective ambition to plant 20,000 trees across major cities in
Cameroon by 2027 and has committed to planting 1,000 trees in Douala and Tiko over the same period. The
initiative aligns with Olam Agri’s purpose of transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, with
climate action and carbon emissions reduction remaining key priorities for the company.
Beyond contributing to carbon sequestration, the project is expected to improve air quality, enhance urban
biodiversity and help mitigate rising temperatures in the Littoral and South-West regions through the creation of
greener and more resilient urban environments.
Speaking at the launch, Veeresh Mallikarjun Hiremath, Country Head for Cameroon at Olam Agri said: “We are
proud to join hands with the government, our partners, local communities, students and other stakeholders in this
important initiative to help address the impacts of climate change in Cameroon. Sustainability is at the heart of
Olam Agri’s operations, and we remain committed to promoting responsible environmental stewardship alongside
sustainable agricultural development. Our participation in ‘A Tree for the Future’ reflects our belief that meaningful
change is achieved through collective action and long-term commitment.”
Also speaking at the event, Ashu Ma-Mbeng Success, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability
Lead at Olam Agri in Cameroon, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative:
“This programme goes beyond planting trees. It is about inspiring individuals and organisations to recognise the vital role they can play in safeguarding our environment. Every tree planted today is an investment in a more sustainable and resilient
future. Cameroon continues to face environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation and the
increasing effects of climate variability. Trees play a critical role in restoring ecosystems, improving soil health,
creating favourable microclimates and regulating temperatures. Through initiatives such as this, we hope to
encourage greater environmental awareness and collective responsibility. Together, we can create lasting positive
impact for current and future generations.”
Through ‘A Tree for the Future’, Olam Agri reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable development,
supporting climate resilience and contributing to greener, healthier communities across Cameroon.
