Olam began operations in Gabon in 1999 and is now developing four industrial and agro-industrial projects in a joint-venture with the Gabonese Republic. Olam chose to invest in Gabon due to its political stability, logistical potential, its favourable agri-climate, thriving economy and synergy of Olam’s objectives with those if the Gabonese Republic’s ‘Emerging’ strategy. Olam consistently supports a range of social and environmental initiatives in the region, especially in our three principal areas of focus; Health, Education and Rural Livelihoods: we have installed 1,500 solar lamps, 600 water hand pumps near our sites and have distributed 7,000 school kits to the wider community.