Sanku strengthens leadership with appointment of Mark Ocitti Ongom as President
This strategic decision aligns with its Project Healthy Children initiative, which focuses on empowering small-scale mills across East Africa
EAST AFRICA – Sanku, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating micronutrient malnutrition through innovative food fortification technologies, has appointed Mark Ocitti Ongom as its new President, effective October 1, 2025.
This strategic decision aligns with its Project Healthy Children initiative, which focuses on empowering small-scale mills across East Africa to add essential nutrients to staple foods, thereby enhancing public health outcomes.
The appointment follows Mr. Ongom’s departure from East African Breweries PLC (EABL) in September 2025, positioning him to leverage his extensive leadership experience in advancing Sanku’s mission.
Mr Ongom brings over 28 years of professional expertise in strategic management, business operations, and regional growth across diverse industries.
“Known for growing businesses, strengthening systems, and leading with purpose, Mark embodies the spirit of Sanku: practical, people-focused, and driven to make lasting impact,”Sanku said in a statement.
Holding an Honours degree in Statistics from Makerere University, an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, and an Executive MBA from London Business School, Mr. Ongom is recognized for his people-focused leadership style and proven track record in fostering organizational development.
His transition to Sanku aligns with the organization’s emphasis on innovative, market-based solutions to combat hidden hunger, particularly through fortifying maize flour with essential micronutrients.
Sanku, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, with operations in Tanzania and Kenya, aims to ensure every meal provides vital nutrients to mothers and children.
The nonprofit empowers small-scale flour mills with award-winning technology to add micronutrients at no additional cost, targeting 100 million people in East Africa by 2030.
Under Co-Founder and CEO Felix Brooks-Church, the organization has garnered accolades from entities such as GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Fast Company for its cost-effective approach to reducing anemia, stunting, and nutrient deficiencies.
Mr. Ongom’s appointment underscores Sanku’s commitment to assembling experienced leaders to scale its impact in global health and nutrition.
As the organization continues to innovate in food fortification, this leadership enhancement is poised to accelerate progress toward eliminating micronutrient malnutrition in vulnerable communities.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
