PS1
E&S risk assessment and management
Structured ESMS, ESIA and ESMP under preparation, operational risk matrix.
Our ESG approach
Aligning PROAQUI with international development banks' standards
IFC Performance Standards 1 to 8 · Operational ESMS · Active grievance mechanism · Measurable impact indicators.
Formal commitment — Executive Management
Our commitment
Zeideal Group SAS formally commits to operating the PROAQUI project in strict compliance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards 1 to 8, the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (accession process under way), the UN Sustainable Development Goals relevant to our activities, and the applicable Cameroonian and OHADA regulatory frameworks.
This commitment translates into an operational Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), a grievance mechanism accessible to stakeholders, an annual ESG report audited by an international firm, and an internal culture of transparency and accountability.
— The Executive Management, ZEIDEAL GROUP SAS.
IFC Performance Standards
Our alignment with the eight pillars
IFC Performance Standards 1 to 8 are the global benchmark for environmental and social risk management in industrial projects. PROAQUI applies them in an integrated and auditable manner.
PS2
Working conditions
Social rights compliant with Cameroon's Labour Code, HSE training, ISO 45001 certification target by Year 5.
PS3
Resource efficiency
FCR controlled at 1.30 from Phase 1 (premium imported feed). Integrated water management (5.8M m³/year). 60% solar energy mix target.
PS4
Community health and safety
Continuous riparian consultation. Social-infrastructure beneficiaries at full capacity (Year 10).
PS5
Land and resettlement
DIR land granted by the State (land title). No involuntary displacement.
PS6
Biodiversity
Lake/river impact study. GIFT strain non-invasive. Buffer zones and ecological corridors preserved.
PS7
Indigenous peoples
Not applicable on the operational perimeters DIR, Mbakaou, Nyong (anthropological analysis conducted).
PS8
Cultural heritage
Chance-find protocol integrated into the environmental action plan. Active archaeological monitoring.
Measurable impact indicators
ESG targets by Year 10 (full capacity)
All indicators below are drawn from the official Business Plan. They are subject to internal quarterly reporting and annual publication in the audited ESG Report.
| Category | Indicator | Year 10 target (Phase 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | GHG emissions Scope 1+2+3 vs imported frozen fish | −42% |
| Energy | Solar energy mix | 60% |
| Water | Water withdrawn and returned | 5.8 M m³/year |
| Biodiversity | Major ecological incidents | 0 |
| Employment | Direct filière workforce | 2,017 FTE |
| Employment | Consolidated employment impact | 4,800 to 6,200 FTE |
| Inclusion | Women in workforce | 30% |
| Inclusion | Youth (< 35) in workforce | 40% |
| Inclusion | Local Cameroonian managers | 90% |
| Communities | Social-infrastructure beneficiaries | 60,000 |
| Communities | Contracted producers | 3,000 |
| Safety | LTIF (Lost Time Injury Frequency) | < 2.0 |
| Governance | Women on Board | 33% |
| Governance | Independent directors | 22% |
| Grievances | Grievance handling time | 100% < 30 days |
The three ESG pillars
Environmental, Social, Governance
PROAQUI's ESG commitments rest on the three universal pillars — environmental, social and governance — set out below for the project and aligned with the IFC Performance Standards and the AfDB Operational Safeguards.
E — Environmental
Environmental
- ESIA completed (Phase 0) → ESMP + environmental compliance certificate (MINEPDED), possible RAP.
- Circular economy: cage effluents → organic fertilization of the DIR agricultural hub (closed loop).
- Low footprint: tilapia, a low-trophic-level species, has a carbon footprint per kg of protein far below that of land-based proteins.
- Biosecurity (WOAH), water use (Law 98/005), no encroachment on protected areas (MINFOF, CITES), resource efficiency (IFC PS3, AfDB PSO4 safeguard).
S — Social
Social
- Employment: 2,017 direct value-chain jobs at maturity (1,582 employees + 435 outsourced); total impact 4,800–6,200 FTE.
- Inclusion: ≥ 40% youth and ≥ 30% women at maturity; Aquaculture Training Centre (Phase 2).
- Territory: network of satellites (aquaculture + maize/soy farming), anchoring in Adamaoua / Centre / East, skills transfer.
- Food security: ~9% of national fish demand at full capacity (45,090 t).
- Decent work and community health & safety (IFC PS2/PS4, AfDB PSO5).
G — Governance
Governance
- SPV ZEIAQUA-INDUSTRIE SA (OHADA public limited company): statutory auditor, SYSCOHADA, formalized governing body, four-signatory block.
- Transparency & compliance: lender reporting, continuous regulatory-compliance framework, ESMP monitoring (divisional committees).
- Financial integrity: holding/SPV separation, shareholders' agreement, first-rank security in favour of lenders.
- Alignment with IFC PS1 (E&S risk management) and AfDB PSO1.
Grievance mechanism (PS1)
An operational channel for all stakeholders
Any stakeholder — employee, supplier, riparian community, NGO, authority — can submit a grievance to Zeideal Group via three distinct channels:
- Email: grievance@zeidealgroup.com
- Secure online form (Contact page)
- Postal mail to Zeideal Group SAS registered office
Response commitment: within 30 working days. Anonymity possible. The grievance mechanism is overseen by the ESG Committee and is the subject of quarterly reporting to the Presidency.