Roff Milling expands into Zambia to strengthen regional maize milling industry

ZAMBIA – Roff Milling, a renowned South African manufacturer of maize milling equipment has inaugurated its new branch in Kitwe, Zambia.

Building on over 30 years of maize milling expertise, Roff Milling is committed to serving the region with high-quality equipment and personalized service. This strategic expansion, launched on March 13, 2025, aims to enhance service delivery to local farmers, entrepreneurs, and millers in Zambia and neighboring maize-producing countries.​

According to the company, the decision to establish a presence in Zambia was driven by the country’s significant maize production and its central location within the region.

Prior to this expansion, Roff Milling serviced the sub-Saharan region from South Africa. However, challenges such as high transportation costs and logistical delays, especially for smaller, frequently ordered items like Posho and hammer mills, highlighted the need for a local presence.

By situating the new branch in Kitwe, Roff Milling can now offer more efficient and cost-effective services to its extensive customer base, including markets in Malawi, southern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Angola, and Zimbabwe.​

The Kitwe facility, located within the secure Vibhav Business Park, encompasses spacious offices and a warehouse. To ensure uninterrupted operations, it is equipped with a robust battery backup system and a Starlink connection for reliable internet connectivity.

The branch maintains a comprehensive inventory of spare parts, significantly reducing costs and lead times associated with sourcing components from South Africa.

Available equipment includes hammer mills, grain crushers, mixers, small mills like the Posho and MK2 roller mill, and complete milling systems such as the SP-1.​

Michael Bowa, the Managing Director of Roff Milling Zambia, has been instrumental in overseeing mill installations since 2020 and played a critical role in the branch’s establishment.

Reflecting on the expansion, Charl Marais, Managing Director of Roff Milling, stated that with this new branch, the company would be closer to our customers and are committed to delivering innovative solutions tailored to their needs.​

“Zambia has always held a special place in my heart. Ever since my early travels in the ’90s, I’ve admired the resilience and ingenuity of the Zambian people in tackling Africa’s challenges,”he noted.  

In addition, this development aligns with Zambia’s broader efforts to enhance its milling industry. As of 2016, the country had 78 milling operations, comprising 20 large-scale, 27 medium-scale, and 31 small-scale millers.

Most of these are concentrated in Lusaka, with the Copperbelt Province, where Kitwe is located, hosting a significant number as well. The establishment of Roff Milling Zambia is poised to further bolster the local milling landscape by providing state-of-the-art equipment and technical support.

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