The Socfin Group recently published its second set of independent verification reports, prepared by forestry and agricultural consulting firm Proforest. The reports evaluate the implementation of operational changes introduced in response to recommendations by the Earthworm Foundation following its independent investigations into allegations surrounding these sites. Proforest examined 75 specific measures across the three Cameroonian operations, finding 100% alignment with Earthworm’s baseline recommendations:
At Socapalm Dibombari site,all 25 measures examined were fully aligned. Ten were classified as fully implemented, 14 as undergoing continuous implementation, and components of four were noted as partially implemented .At Socapalm Edea, all 29 measures reviewed were fully aligned. Seven were fully implemented, 20 are undergoing continuous implementation, and two were partially implemented and at Safacam,indication shows that,all 21 measures reviewed were fully aligned. Eleven were fully implemented, nine are undergoing continuous implementation, and one was partially implemented.
Field missions took place in Cameroon in April 2026, combining document reviews, site observations, and interviews with company leaders, employees, subcontractors, local community members, public authorities, and civil society organizations.
The reports highlight tangible progress across key areas, including land rights dialogue, community engagement, grievance management, water access, working conditions, environmental monitoring, safety protocols, and the prevention of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
However, Proforest noted several areas requiring sustained focus. These include maintaining active dialogue with local communities, formally documenting ongoing land agreement outcomes, improving the accessibility of grievance channels, expanding workforce training, and tightening internal record-keeping practices.
Proforest emphasized that classifying a measure as “undergoing continuous implementation” reflects its long-term nature. Core actions like community engagement, environmental oversight, and complaints management require ongoing monitoring rather than static, one-time fixes.
“These reports provide a clear, independent assessment of our operations and highlight where sustained attention remains necessary. Finding that all 75 measures align with the initial recommendations is encouraging, but alignment is not the finish line. Our priority is ensuring these measures remain effective over time, are understood by stakeholders, and continue to evolve based on ground experience. “Céline Schmitz, Director of Sustainability at Socfin stated.
This release marks the second phase of Socfin’s broader verification efforts. It follows the July 13, 2026 publication of Proforest reports covering the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC), Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC) in Sierra Leone, and Okomu Oil Palm Company in Nigeria. Across those initial three assessments, Proforest reviewed 107 measures, finding 106 fully aligned.
To date, six Proforest assessments are publicly available, covering 182 total measures across West and Central Africa 181 of which have been verified as fully aligned. Between 2023 and late 2025, Socfin commissioned the Earthworm Foundation to conduct initial field investigations into operational allegations. Following Earthworm’s recommendations, Socfin developed site-specific action plans. In January 2026, Socfin engaged Proforest to independently verify that these action plans were being carried out on the ground. Socfin therefore, plans to publish additional Proforest audit reports covering its remaining global operations as field assessments wrap up.
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