Roff unveils cassava hammer mill system, pioneering Africa’s next agro-processing frontier
With a processing capacity of 500–750 kilograms per hour, the system is tailored to empower entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and millers seeking to expand into cassava flour production
SOUTH AFRICA – Roff milling, one of Africa’s foremost manufacturers of compact and commercial milling equipment, has launched its new Cassava Hammer Mill System, a turnkey milling solution designed to process dried cassava roots into fine flour efficiently and affordably.
With a processing capacity of 500–750 kilograms per hour, the system is tailored to empower entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and millers seeking to expand into cassava flour production, a growing opportunity across Africa’s agro-processing landscape.
Cassava, a resilient root crop grown widely across Sub-Saharan Africa, has gained renewed attention for its potential to enhance food security, reduce dependency on imported grains, and stimulate local value chains. However, large-scale cassava processing has often been constrained by the high cost and complexity of equipment.
“With this new system, we’re giving African entrepreneurs a simple, robust, and profitable way to process cassava locally. It’s built with the same reliability and efficiency that have made our maize mills successful across the continent, but adapted to cassava’s unique processing needs,” said Charl Marais, Managing Director at Roff milling.
Founded in 1991, Roff Industries is headquartered in Kroonstad, South Africa, and serves millers across Sub-Saharan Africa. Its product portfolio spans compact maize and cassava mills, crushers, grain cleaners, and turnkey systems designed for ease of use, scalability, and profitability.
The company’s modular equipment lines, including the SP-1, R-40, R-70, and C-80 mills, have become synonymous with practical, durable, and locally adaptable technology.
“Our mission has always been to support Africa’s journey from raw production to value-added manufacturing. This cassava system is another step towards that goal, creating local jobs, supporting farmers, and strengthening food security,” Marais said.
Compact, complete, and built for Africa
According to the company, the Roff Cassava Hammer Mill System integrates every stage of the milling process in a compact 9m x 4m footprint.
The setup includes the LBX 122 Lump Breaker for pre-crushing dried cassava roots, the SHM 845 Hammer Mill for fine milling, a pneumatic conveying and cyclone system for dust-free flour collection, and a fully integrated control panel for process management.
Designed and manufactured in South Africa, the system is supported through Roff’s headquarters in Kroonstad and its new branch in Kitwe, Zambia, ensuring technical assistance and spare parts availability across the region.
New avenues for entrepreneurs and millers
The innovation opens new possibilities for local agro-processors. By enabling the production of high-quality cassava flour, Roff’s technology helps small businesses and cooperatives add value to a crop often sold raw at low margins.
It also allows existing maize millers to diversify production lines. “Blending just 10–20% cassava flour with maize meal can significantly reduce production costs without compromising quality,” Marais explained.
He added that, for millers, it’s a simple way to add resilience to their business and meet evolving market demand.
Cassava’s versatility in food applications, from baked goods to industrial starch and feed, positions it as a key crop in regional food system transformation.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that Africa produces over 190 million metric tons of cassava annually, yet a large share remains underutilized due to limited processing infrastructure.
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