In a push to boost operational efficiency and leadership on the ground, SOCAPALM Mbambou has launched a comprehensive three-day training program for its team leaders and operational supervisors. Initiated by Jean-François Camoin, Director of the Mbambou plantation since July 2024, the program addresses skills gaps identified across various teams following his arrival. “When I took position, I realized that different teams had different levels and gaps that needed catching up,” explains Camoin.”For our teams, whether agricultural or technical, we started with agriculture because it is the base beginning specifically with our team leaders. We have a little over 150 team leaders, and it was crucial to put the emphasis there first.” Following this initial phase, the training roadmap will expand to cover site managers and plantation assistants, alongside technical sectors including the factory and garage workshops. Designed in close collaboration with internal operators such as CDA and APP, the curriculum was developed with the support of the agricultural technical directorate. Guenaelle Renevot, Director of Agricultural Techniques at Socapalm Mbambou who brings extensive experience from across the SOCFIN group helped spearhead the training rollout. To foster active engagement and maintain manageable group sizes, participants were split into three separate cohorts.He note that the core objective is to return to fundamentals: “It simply consists of recalling the role of team leaders and the daily functions of their position.
A team leader is responsible for achieving daily quality and quantity objectives while managing a team of workers.” Camoin places heavy emphasis on accountability: “The word responsibility is a word on which I weigh well, because it is by being responsible that we can improve and do better work. Our goal is for team leaders to arrive ready to work well, knowing how to plan, organize, and monitor tasks to make operations fluid.” For those on the front lines, the workshop provides an invaluable platform to refine skills, align procedures, and voice daily operational challenges. Mbangue Charles, a workshop participant, highlights the critical link between the training and production goals: “The impressions are very good because every year and every day we learn, and it’s all beneficial for us to increase productivity. The main goal for us is the production of oil. We must improve ourselves every day and make sure workers understand the reasons behind what they do.” The program also champions inclusivity and leadership growth. Maikode Cécile, a team leader at the Mbambou palm oil mill, shares her perspective on breaking barriers: “For me, being a team leader is a challenge because some might think these positions are only for men. But there are women capable of assuming positions of responsibility. Participating in this seminar is a pride not just for myself, but for society and women in general. It also gives us a space to openly discuss daily challenges and learn what to do and what not to do.” “What I’m learning today is that being a team leader isn’t just about telling your worker what task to do. You also have to know how to value the people you work with telling someone they worked well today is what encourages them. The management side of this training is a real plus.” By blending technical precision such as explaining not just how tasks are executed, but why with essential management and communication skills, Socapalm Mbambou aims to harmonize professional practices. Ultimately, management hopes this initiative will empower supervisory teams to better support their workers, ensure strict adherence to instructions, and guarantee that daily targets for quality and volume are consistently met.
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