Miller of the Month – Sifa Lucas Mkanda, Quality Analyst at Wilmar Tanzania Limited
Our Miller of the Month for July is Sifa Lucas Mkanda, a Quality Analyst at Wilmar Tanzania Limited. Sifa’s role has consistently evolved to meet the demands of technological advancements and changing consumer preferences within the milling industry. Wilmar Tanzania Limited demonstrates a strong commitment to public health and regulatory compliance through its dedication to food fortification, especially in addressing malnutrition in East Africa.
How long have you been in the milling business? How has your role changed?
With five years in the milling industry, my role has evolved significantly due to technology and consumer shifts. Initially focused on lab analysis, quality, manual fortification, and food safety, my responsibilities now include integrating automation and ensuring fortification compliance. This evolution demands continuous learning and adaptation to technological and regulatory changes. Data-driven decisions optimize operations and meet demands for healthier, sustainable products. My journey reflects significant technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, transforming my role and positioning our operations for the evolving global market.
Why did you decide to join Millers for Nutrition?
We joined Millers for Nutrition to align our operations with global food fortification best practices, enhance our product quality, and contribute meaningfully to public health. This membership provides us with free technical assistance, including tailored training, product testing support, and access to online tools and business advice. These resources have been instrumental in improving our fortification practices and reducing compliance risks.
Tell us about your commitment to food fortification and Quality Assurance?
Wilmar Tanzania Limited is deeply committed to food fortification as a strategic approach to combat malnutrition in East Africa. Our dedication aligns with national policies and global initiatives aimed at improving public health. In April 2025, Tanzania implemented the 2024 Food Fortification Regulations, we have proactively embraced these regulations, ensuring compliance with the new standards. Additionally, Quality assurance is central to our fortification strategy. We have installed automated dosing equipment and implemented robust quality control systems to ensure the precise addition of Vitamin A. These measures guarantee that our products meet the required nutritional standards and support public health objectives
Tell us about your new technology and how it impacts your business?
We significantly improved our food fortification initiatives by adopting innovative technologies , positively impacting both business operations and public health. A key achievement is the installation of automated online dosing pumps. These pumps precisely add Vitamin A to oil, a process previously done manually into storage tanks, without increasing production costs.
What advice do you have for other millers that might want to implement/try?
Millers considering implementing food fortification, there are key recommendations that will lead them to successful practice; Invest in Capacity building and training: By understanding fortification methodology and its importance together with attending food fortification training programs offered by fortification stakeholders will enable them to acquire knowledge and skills to implement effective fortification practice.
