The 2025 IAOM MEA regional milling forum kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda
RWANDA – The highly anticipated 2025 Regional Milling Forum, hosted by the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, has officially kicked off in Kigali, Rwanda, from February 18 to 20, 2025.
This premier event will bring together milling professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the milling industry.
Known for its impressive economic growth and commitment to sustainable development, Rwanda provides the ideal backdrop for this significant gathering, positioning itself as a hub for forward-thinking solutions in milling and food security.
What to expect at the forum
The IAOM MEA 2025 Regional Milling Forum promises to be an engaging and comprehensive event, designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. The forum will feature a dynamic program, including keynote presentations, panel discussions, technical sessions, and an exhibition showcasing the latest advancements in milling technologies.
With hands-on workshops, attendees will have the unique opportunity to gain practical insights into the milling processes and best practices from global experts.
Key topics for discussion
The forum’s agenda is structured to cover a range of critical topics that are central to the milling industry today.
Day one will focus on Grain Handling & Safe Storage, addressing essentials such as silo design, grain handling safety, and proper storage solutions. This day will delve into intelligent building designs for flour mills, as well as equipment maintenance strategies for elevators, chain conveyors, and grain cleaning systems. Attendees will also explore advancements in automation and how these innovations impact the entire grain handling process.
On Day two, the forum will shift its focus to Milling Technology & Best Milling Practices. Key areas of discussion will include milling flowsheets, wheat milling practices, sifter sieve maintenance, and optimizing flour extraction rates.
In addition, the forum will examine best practices for maize milling and the latest developments in the field. A special focus will be placed on the critical role of starch damage and its impact on flour quality.
The third and final day of the forum will be dedicated to Finished Product Handling & Quality Assurance. Topics such as flour packing, silo mixing concepts, and quality analysis for both raw materials and finished products will be explored.
The forum will also dive into flour quality testing, the role of enzymes, sugar beet fiber, and guar gum in dough properties, and the latest extrusion and rolling technologies for flour valorization.
A stellar lineup of speakers
An impressive lineup of speakers and panelists will contribute their expertise to the forum, bringing a wealth of knowledge from various sectors of the milling industry.
Confirmed speakers include Pricilla Bakalian, Head of African Milling Group at Bühler Group; David Nolte, Head of Operations at Stern Ingredients East Africa; Malcolm Holman, Managing Director of Agri-Enviro Solutions AES; Salim Makhoul, General Manager at Crownzym; and Zeki Demirtasoglu, Founder of Bastak Group, among others.
These leaders will share insights on the future of milling, technological innovations, and the practicalities of milling operations across diverse regions.
In addition to these industry leaders, the forum will feature presentations from academics and policymakers who will discuss the role of milling in global food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
A unique opportunity for networking and collaboration
Beyond the rich program of discussions and technical sessions, the IAOM MEA Regional Milling Forum 2025 provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking and collaboration.
Industry professionals will have the chance to meet and exchange ideas with peers, explore new partnerships, and discuss strategies for overcoming challenges facing the milling sector.
The event also promises to be a platform for learning about emerging technologies and industry trends, which are essential for ensuring the sustainability and growth of milling operations in the region.
With its focus on innovation, best practices, and sustainability, this event is poised to shape the future of the global milling industry.
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