A Bold Step Toward Better Nutrition in Ethiopia

Millers for Nutrition  Ethiopia was officially launched December 2024, heralding a significant step in combating malnutrition across the nation. The event comes at a critical time, aligning seamlessly with Ethiopia’s National Food Fortification Program which was introduced in August 2024 mandating the fortification of wheat flour, edible oil, and salt to combat pervasive nutrient deficiencies.

Millers for Nutrition places food processors at the forefront of fortification efforts, recognizing their vital role in improving public health. “Millers for Nutrition is proud to align with the Ethiopian government’s vision for food fortification. By placing the food processing sector at the heart of this initiative, we recognize the vital role they play in ensuring that fortified foods reach Ethiopian households. Together, we aim to provide practical support and foster partnerships that make fortification a seamless, impactful, and sustainable part of your work,” said Rizwuan Yusufali, Director of the initiative.

Millers often face challenges including increasing food prices, the rising cost of fortification, and competition from imports. “Fortification comes with its challenges, but we are here to provide practical support and real solutions to ensure fortified foods are not only the norm but also accessible to all Ethiopians,” Yusufali stressed.

To address these hurdles, Millers for Nutrition facilitates industry-specific training, encourages public-private collaborations, and supports affordable production of fortified foods by improving the capacities and business practices of wheat and maize millers, and edible oil processors.

By combining robust government support, industry partnerships, and innovative strategies, Millers for Nutrition aims to transform Ethiopia’s nutritional landscape by ensuring that millions of Ethiopians have access to adequately fortified staple foods. 

With an ambitious global goal of improving nutrition for 1 billion people by 2026, the program is poised to make fortified foods a staple in Ethiopian households, building a healthier and more prosperous future.

Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and enhancing business sustainability. The coalition is powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining the coalition can learn more at millersfornutrition.com.