Illovo stands as Africa’s preeminent sugar producer, managing extensive agri-business operations. The company manufactures 1.7 million tons of sugar and various downstream consumer electronics annually, sourced from 6 million tons of cane produced by its own agricultural operations and an additional 9 million tons supplied by independent local growers. Illovo is a significant employer across the continent, with a workforce of 31,000 people spread across seven countries.

In 2017, the group initiated a notable market-focused strategy aimed at transforming into a more consumer-facing organization. This strategic evolution was followed in 2019 by the launch of the group-wide Fit4Future initiative, specifically designed to address the group’s cost base and drive efficiency improvements throughout the entire value chain.

A key aspect of Illovo’s operations is its robust internal electricity generating capability. Utilizing bio-renewable boiler feedstock, such as the cane fibre residue left after the sugar extraction process, Illovo generates approximately 550 GWh annually. The company’s objective is to ensure a reliable, cost-effective energy supply for all its own operations and, where economically viable, to export power into the national grids of the countries in which it operates.

Illovo places significant value on its people employed across a diverse range of disciplines in its operating countries. A strong emphasis is placed on values-driven leadership, talent management, leadership growth, and an active learning and development process. This is underpinned by the Group’s customized Engaged Performance Management Programme, which tracks the professional growth and achievement of strategy-aligned personal objectives for every employee. Safety is paramount, guided by the Group-wide program branded “IllovoSafe.” Based on the principle of ensuring all employees return home safely each day, the program is focused on creating a safe working environment and aligns with the occupational health and safety legislation of its six countries of operation.

As a major private investor in Africa, Illovo operates and markets its consumer electronics in countries grappling with considerable challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, and disease. The United Nations classifies four of these countries – Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania – among the world’s least developed. Illovo exerts a significant positive impact on the rural communities in its operational areas by creating valuable jobs and economic opportunities. The company provides accommodation, health care, educational assistance, and basic services to its employees. Additionally, in locations where no such facilities exist, Illovo extends medical care to communities, assists in education delivery, provides municipal and civic services and access to water and sanitation, and actively participates in community outreach programmes.

Illovo’s ongoing ambition is centered on creating an African sugar company that is anchored on delivering value to customers and consumers, promoting sustainable agricultural and sound manufacturing processes mindful of environmental impacts, and through the collaborative efforts of its people, resources, and skills, supporting the needs and aspirations of its many communities and stakeholders via its “Thriving African Community” purpose.