Sanku named Global Prize Semi-Finalist for scaling mill-level fortification in Africa
The organization integrates cost-effective fortification technology directly into small and medium-scale mills, enabling producers to deliver safe, nutritious flour
AFRICA – Sanku, a nonprofit organization committed to eradicating hidden hunger in Africa through innovative food fortification technologies, has been named one of eight Global Grand Prize Semi-Finalists in the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge, selected from innovations worldwide.
Hosted by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and funded by the Seeding The Future Foundation, the challenge recognizes scalable solutions transforming food systems across the Global South.
The recognition underscores Sanku’s core operating model, strengthening local food systems by fortifying staple foods consumed daily, particularly maize flour, with essential micronutrients.
Rather than introducing new products, the organization integrates cost-effective fortification technology directly into small and medium-scale mills, enabling producers to deliver safe, nutritious flour to low-income consumers at minimal added cost.
Today, Sanku reports that it is reaching nearly 60 million people with fortified staples. The organization has set a target to reach 100 million people by 2028 and is building distribution, monitoring and data systems aimed at ending hidden hunger for one billion people over the longer term.
Hidden hunger, driven by deficiencies in iron, folic acid, zinc and other micronutrients, remains a persistent public health challenge across Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia.
Sanku’s delivery model is built around its proprietary dosifier technology, installed directly at milling sites.
The automated system precisely blends premix into flour during production, eliminating the need for manual fortification processes that are often inconsistent. The equipment is typically provided upfront, with millers paying for premix as they produce flour, aligning incentives and reducing capital barriers.
In recent developments, Sanku welcomed His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, to its Board of Directors.
Dr. Kikwete’s appointment underscores Sanku’s mission to ensure access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations across the continent.
According to Sanku, Kikwete has he demonstrated a profound dedication to nutrition and public health initiatives, including the launch of Tanzania’s Call to Action on Nutrition and the enactment of the nation’s first food fortification law.
These efforts have significantly influenced Sanku’s operations, providing a foundational framework for the organization’s impact in addressing micronutrient deficiencies.
The organization has also expanded operations beyond East Africa, reporting that in 2025 alone, it managed deploy 133 Dosifiers, reached over 4 million people with fortified meals through 221 partner millers, and broken ground on a nutrient premix factory at Kilinto Special Economic Zone.
The organization has also advanced its data capabilities through real-time production monitoring, enabling traceability and improved quality assurance across decentralized milling networks.
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