Tag Archive for: IGNITE

Technical Assistance Success: Moshono Millers, Tanzania

Moshono Millers, a leading maize flour miller in Tanzania, sought help solving operational challenges. By partnering with Millers for Nutrition, the facility not only resolved critical production issues but also enhanced its market footprint and community role.


Through targeted technical support, Moshono Millers was able to replace the malfunctioning dosifier and work with SANKU to install a new dosifier with advanced vibration technology. The upgrade boosted production from two to 10 tonnes per day.

“Our operational turnaround and efficiency has significantly driven business growth, expanding our market share from 50% to over 70% of our output”, said Mary Mongela, Quality Control Manager. “With this enhanced production, we’ve secured high-value clients like the TBS and the Tanzanian military, tripling their monthly orders from between 50 – 100 to 200 bags. This underscores the crucial role of targeted technical investments in boosting our market competitiveness.”

Beyond business metrics, Moshono Millers has been involved with behavior change communication and advocacy at the community level educating community members on the value of consistently consuming fortified flour. This dual focus on business growth and social responsibility illustrates the broader impact of strategic operational improvements.

“I never thought that I would become a food fortification ambassador,” said Mongela. “When we are out for sales, community members often ask why fortification is important as there has been a lot of misinformation. As community members seek clarity, there’s a growing need for educational support. We look to Millers for Nutrition for training support to better equip our teams and address these vital questions.“

Moshono Millers’ journey underscores how strategic technical assistance can transform operational landscapes, drive substantial business growth and elevate community health standards. For industry leaders, this case study exemplifies the value of aligning business objectives with community needs, promoting a holistic approach to sustainable growth and leadership in fortified nutrition advocacy. “I encourage all millers to become members of Millers for Nutrition. The support and technical assistance we received were pivotal in overcoming our challenges,” said Mongela.

Transforming the Rice Sector in Nigeria

Transforming the Rice Sector in Nigeria

Rice millers in Kano recently participated in an intensive four-day technical training program that aimed to reshape Nigeria’s rice fortification landscape. The comprehensive workshop put together by Millers for Nutrition in collaboration with Strategic Fortification Partner dsm-firmenich, local technical partner Bühler Group, and fortification ecosystem partners World Food Programme and Partners in Food Solutions, delivered advanced insights into rice mill operations and fortification techniques.

The training brought together Production and Quality Managers, equipping them with practical skills to enhance their milling operations and implement effective fortification processes. Through hands-on sessions and expert-led discussions, participants gained deep insights into modern milling practices and nutrition enhancement strategies.

Listen to participants share their experiences in this video

Millers for Nutrition adds India to effort

We are thrilled to announce  East Coast Fats and Oil Ltd,  in  Tanzania , recently joined Millers for Nutrition. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing quality assurance in vitamin A fortification. 

Recently, East Coast Fats and Oils and Millers for Nutrition sampled the vitamin A premix for quality testing – a significant step in addressing fortification challenges. The data obtained from these tests will play a crucial role in refining the fortification processes, ensuring that products comply with both national and international nutrition standards. Millers for Nutrition is dedicated to supporting millers in their effort  to improve  nutrition for  Tanzanians. We invite all millers to join. Learn more at www.millersfornutrition.com

Welcoming East Coast Fats and Oil Ltd to the Millers for Nutrition

We are thrilled to announce  East Coast Fats and Oil Ltd,  in  Tanzania , recently joined Millers for Nutrition. This collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing quality assurance in vitamin A fortification. 

Recently, East Coast Fats and Oils and Millers for Nutrition sampled the vitamin A premix for quality testing – a significant step in addressing fortification challenges. The data obtained from these tests will play a crucial role in refining the fortification processes, ensuring that products comply with both national and international nutrition standards. Millers for Nutrition is dedicated to supporting millers in their effort  to improve  nutrition for  Tanzanians. We invite all millers to join. Learn more at www.millersfornutrition.com

Prioritizing Quality Assurance in Tanzania’s Flour Fortification

Recently, Millers for Nutrition met with Bakhresa, Tanzania’s leading wheat flour miller to develop a comprehensive quality assurance training program. The initiative will set new standards for fortified flour production across the country.

Bakhresa is a market leader in Tanzania holding a large market share in Tanzania mainland and is a key partner in this quality-focused initiative. With three plants in Dar es Salaam producing a combined 3,250 metric tons per day.

“Quality assurance is the cornerstone of effective fortification,” says Ndili, the Millers for Nutrition Program Manager and Country Representative in Tanzania. “By prioritizing this aspect with Bakhresa, we’re laying the groundwork for a more robust and reliable fortification process throughout Tanzania.”

To address Bakhresa’s specific needs and challenges, Millers for Nutrition is developing a customized curriculum. This approach will ensure that the training is not only comprehensive but also directly applicable to Bakhresa’s day-to-day operations, maximizing its impact on the quality of their fortified flour production.

“This training program is a game-changer,” Ndili explains. “By emphasizing the importance of food quality at every step of the milling process, we’re ensuring that fortification becomes an integral part of production.”

“At Bakhresa, our commitment to excellence drives us forward, and partnering with Millers for Nutrition enhances our mission to elevate quality standards,” asserts Iddi Mvungi, Compliance Manager at Bakhresa.

The collaboration is an opportunity to create  a training module that can be expanded l to other millers across Tanzania.”The enthusiasm and commitment we’ve seen from Bakhresa in prioritizing quality assurance is inspiring,” Ndili remarks. “We look forward to working with other millers to address the challenges that they face in their fortification so that they are able to produce adequately fortified food products in Tanzania.  

“Our steadfast dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards is at the heart of everything we do at Bakhresa. This collaboration with Millers for Nutrition aims to further this,” – Iddi Mvungi.

“We are glad to be part of Millers for Nutrition, offering solutions such as iCheck Flour and iCheck Iron to support companies like Bakhresa in strengthening their fortification workflows,” says Dr. Santiago Andrade, Strategic Product Manager at Bioanalyt. “Our collaboration underscores the importance of working together to improve nutrition standards across Tanzania. With more than a decade of expertise in the fortification ecosystem, we aim to help millers enhance their quality assurance processes, ensuring that fortified products consistently meet the highest nutritional standards.”

Enhancing Food Safety: Successful GMP Training at Wakene Food Complex

Millers for Nutrition (M4N) in Ethiopia recently conducted a successful Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) training session at the Wakene Food Complex in Sheger City, Oromia. This was aimed at enhancing food safety and quality standards including production, sanitation, quality control, and maintenance.

This training’s goal was to instill a robust food safety culture by improving essential practices such as appropriate manufacturing and hygienic practices. Additionally, the session focused on improving food product quality control, equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high standards within their operations.

To foster collaboration and deeper understanding, interactive group discussions were facilitated during and after the training allowing room for feedback and clarifications. The session concluded with a summary of the program and outlined the next steps for continued collaboration.

This initiative not only supported the Wakene Food Complex in achieving its goals but also strengthened M4N partnership and collaboration focussing on tailored technical assistance efforts. 

Millers for Nutrition attends Ethiopian Edible Oil Manufacturing Industry Association’s Annual Assembly

Millers for Nutrition Ethiopia recently attended the Ethiopian Edible Oil Manufacturing Industry Association’s (EEOMIA) annual assembly in Addis Ababa. The annual meeting provides a platform for networking and collaboration among industry members and relevant stakeholders including strategic fortification partners and government officials. Additionally, Technoserve  was recognized for its  support to the industry and its members.

The assembly addressed challenges faced by the edible oil industry, including shortage of raw materials, which impacts production capabilities. Members highlighted the difficulty in competing with imported finished edible oil due to favorable tax policies for imports, which puts local producers at a disadvantage. 

The fortification mandate also remains a critical topic. The association will collaborate with development partners M4N/TNS and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to support processors in meeting the requirements.

“The industry is very strong and committed to serving the community with nutritious products,” said Eyakem Amsalu Negussie, Ethiopia program manager. “The Millers for Nutrition coalition supports that commitment by connecting millers to world class fortification experts to gain free technical assistance and specialized training on industry best practices.”

The Ethiopian government is also actively working to enhance the edible oil sector. The Ministry of Agriculture has ambitious plans to double domestic oil production within the next two years, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and achieve self-sufficiency. However, this goal is heavily dependent on addressing several critical issues, including market linkages, forex availability, and fair competition.