Sanku to establish a nutrient premix factory in Ethiopia to combat malnutrition

ETHIOPIA—Sanku, a non-profit organization and strategic partner of Millers for Nutrition, has announced plans to build a nutrient premix blending factory in Ethiopia, a move to address malnutrition in the country.

This initiative, slated for completion before the end of the year, is part of a milestone agreement with the Ethiopian Ministry of Industry to enhance nutrition efforts and ensure fortified flour reaches those most in need.

During the signing ceremony, H.E. Tarekegn Bululta, State Minister, highlighted the severe economic and social challenges posed by micronutrient deficiencies, including stunting, wasting, and underweight issues among citizens.

Notably, 37% of Ethiopian children under five are stunted, 21% are underweight, and 22% of women of reproductive age are undernourished.

Felix Brooks-Church, Sanku’s CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to combating these issues by establishing the premix factory to provide essential nutrients for flour fortification.

This development builds upon previous collaborations between Sanku and the Ethiopian government. In August 2024, Ethiopia launched the National Food Fortification Program (NFFP) to address malnutrition, with Sanku playing a pivotal role by providing cost-effective fortification tools to local millers.

These tools enable the production of fortified wheat flour, aligning with the government’s regulations and efforts to improve the country’s nutritional status. Sanku’s approach involves installing patented Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart dosifier machines onto small and medium-sized flour mills.

These automated dosifiers add precise amounts of critical nutrients, such as iron and zinc, to the flour during processing. By manufacturing key inputs like nutrient premix and flour bags locally, Sanku ensures millers have the necessary tools, training, and operational support without increasing costs for consumers.

This initiative follows the successful launch of a similar facility in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in June 2024. The facility produces approximately 150 metric tons of nutrient premix per month and has been instrumental in supplying millers across Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and beyond, enhancing the nutritional quality of flour products and contributing to public health improvements.

The upcoming premix factory in Ethiopia will serve not only local millers but also those in the greater Eastern African region, providing affordable and high-quality nutrient premix.

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