Construction set for Sanku’s nutrient premix factory in Ethiopia
Once operational, the facility will produce 3,000 tonnes of nutrient premix annually, enough to serve up to 200 million people across the continent
ETHIOPIA – Sanku, a social enterprise working to combat hidden hunger through food fortification, has officially marked a key milestone in Ethiopia with the official land handover for its upcoming nutrient premix factory.
The facility, to be built in the Kilinto Special Economic Zone, will significantly enhance local capacity to combat hidden hunger.
Having launched operations in Ethiopia in September 2024, Sanku has already reached over six million people with access to fortified flour.
The new factory aims to scale that reach to 40 million Ethiopians. Once operational, the facility will produce 3,000 tonnes of nutrient premix annually, enough to serve up to 200 million people across the continent.
The event, held on June 17, brought together high-level attendees including Sanku Co-founder and Board Chair Dave Dodson, Co-founder and CEO Felix Brooks-church, and members of the Sanku Ethiopia team.
Also present were government officials and partners from the Industrial Parks Development Corporation Ethiopia (IPDC), culminating in the signing of a landmark agreement between Sanku Fortification Ethiopia PLC and IPDC.
Kamil Ibrahim, IPDC’s Chief Operating Officer, underscored the project’s alignment with Ethiopia’s health and productivity goals. “The Corporation is committed to supporting this initiative, which contributes to building a healthier and more productive society,” he said during the ceremony.
“This facility is more than infrastructure, it’s a strategic investment in food systems, local economies, and the health of future generations,” said Felix Brooks-church.
The Ethiopia project builds on Sanku’s growing regional footprint. Recently, the organization announced a strategic partnership with the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) to strengthen access to fortified foods across Eastern Africa.
The collaboration has already yielded results in Rwanda, where FWGA has facilitated connections with key distribution partners to expand fortified flour access.
Through this partnership, Sanku has distributed enough nutrient premix to improve the diets of over 300,000 people in Rwanda alone. “This collaboration shows the power of uniting around a shared vision,” Sanku stated.
“By working with FWGA and local partners, we’re laying the foundation for nutrition solutions that benefit communities long-term.”
Sanku’s holistic model combines local production, distribution, and its patented smart dosifier technology that ensures accurate nutrient blending. Currently, over 1,250 millers across East Africa use the dosifiers, enabling real-time monitoring and consistent fortification standards.
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