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AFRICA IMPROVED FOODS

Africa to feed Africa

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Healthy Children, Healthy Nation, Healthy Africa Africa Improved Food’s inclusive business model and ongoing dedication to regional enrichment has contributed to the Company’s reputation as East Africa’s “social enterprise” Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

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s an innovative social enterprise focused on improving nutrition in East Africa, Africa Improved Foods’ (AIF) mission to curb malnutrition by making high quality, affordable and locallysourced nutritious foods is becoming a reality. Incepted just three years ago, the Company’s aim from day one was to find a solution to malnutrition in the region, and soon after - with the Government of Rwanda quickly onboard - the construction of a stateof-the-art manufacturing facility in Kigali got underway. Chief Executive Officer, Amar Ali picks up: “By December, 2016, construction was completed and since then the fortified foods that we produce have fed more than one million children. As a next step we are looking to expand our operations to Ethiopia and other East African countries in the near future. “Our products are presently available in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. We are currently also exploring distribution options in Kenya and Tanzania. For now, our goal is to gain a strong foothold in all East African countries by becoming a trusted supplier of both government programmes and commercial distributors. However, we are ambitious; if good opportunities arise in other African countries we will definitely consider them.” A public-private partnership incorporating DSM, FMO, CDC, IFC and the Government of Rwanda (for that country specifically); AIF works alongside these partners to represent the overall shareholders of AIF Holding. In Rwanda, this has already manifested in the production of fortified blended foods (FBF) in terms of product

innovation; a blend of cereals fortified with vitamins and minerals. “Special variations, such as those intended for infants, may contain milk powder,” Commercial Director, Darshana Joshi adds. “We currently produce Super Cereal Plus for WFP, Shisha Kibondo for the Government of Rwanda and a commercial range of nutritious porridges under the Nootri brand for consumers in East Africa. All our products are fortified and thus contribute to reducing micronutrient deficiencies in the most vulnerable population - pregnant and breast feeding mothers and children aged six months to two years.” This has been a concerted goal since inception for AIF, with its first products targeting infants as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Joshi continues: “This was chosen because improving nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life can significantly improve growth and cognitive development. However, our marketing team soon understood that older children and adults were asking for a product adapted more to their specific needs. “As such, we are about to launch a series of multigrain family porridges in larger, more affordable bags. Like all our other products, these family porridges will be enriched with vitamins and minerals.”

The nutritious Nootri porridge range

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AURORA Satisfying Demand The Zambian Government, in fulfillment of its policy to improve agricultural trade, has put in place mechanisms and structures that encourage local Zambian companies such as Aurora to participate with ease and efficiency in the export of agricultural products. With Zambia, producing an estimated 3.6 million tonnes of white non-GMO maize for the 2017/2018 season, while national consumption until the next farming season is estimated at 1.8million tonnes; there is surplus maize product readily available for export. In addition, the ease of export is magnified by Zambia’s central location, strategically placing Zambia in proximity with SADC member countries and consequential access to ancillary markets, which markets include countries in the COMESA region. Its manufacturing plant is already at 90 percent capacity

Africa to feed Africa

Despite being a very young company, AIF has already diversified and expanded its product range exponentially, while achieving several key milestones on a broader note. After just six months of production, its manufacturing plant had already reached 90 percent operational capacity; a testament to the speed at which employees have mastered operating procedures, which Joshi describes as “truly unique”. “We are also proud about the fact that AIF has recently been awarded the FSSC 22000 certification, which is the highestlevel Food Safety System Certification a food manufacturer can have,” she says. “A key pillar of this success was the investment that AIF made in education and training of its staff. “For example, plant operators and shift leaders went on training excursions to plants in Singapore, Switzerland and Kenya to observe and

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We are also proud about the fact that AIF has recently been awarded the FSSC 22000 certification, which is the highestlevel Food Safety System Certification a food manufacturer can have

The Company’s ability to deliver and its reliability has allowed for it to develop key partnerships with its trading partners. Noteworthy is its business relationship with Africa Improved Foods (“AIF”) and ProDev/ Minimex, two of Rwanda’s largest grain importers, which has seen the Company maintain a steady supply of maize to AIF and enhances the credibility of Aurora; not only in Rwanda, but in the East African region as well. Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Address No. 10 Matandani Close Rhodes Park PO Box 34972, Lusaka T +260 979 318703 +260 969 030556 E info@auroragp.com andreasimbwae@auroragp.com

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AURORA

COMMODITIES LIMITED Introduction

urora commodities limited (“Aurora”) is a Zambian commodity supply company that is specialized in the supply of agriculture commodities such as grains and beef products. Aurora provides commodities to Zambian and regional customers spanning from Central, southern and east African markets. Locally Aurora supplies over 10,000 tonnes. True to its vision of striving to be the market leader in the provision of high quality grain products to Zambia and beyond, Aurora supplies both the private and public sectors. Aurora's strengths lie in its

Aurora's strengths lie in its quality products and the eﬃcient and reliable delivery of its commodities. This strength is drawn from Aurora's network of reliable farm producers, ﬁnance houses and transportation companies to ensure timely delivery of commodities to clients. The strong networks within the supply chain has enabled Aurora commodities to grow its commodity business exponentially resulting in the supply of Non-GMO Maize and Soya beans to major local millers and exports to neighboring countries within SADC and COMESA regions.

Expansion into Africa Having steadily established itself on the local Zambian market, Aurora has turned its focus to ﬁrmly establishing its presence in the Pan-African region. With this focus in mind, over the past six (6) months, Aurora has supplied and continues to supply grain as follows;

Over 10,000 tonnes of maize and 8,000 tonnes of Soya Beans into Zimbabwe;

Over 6,000 tonnes of maize and 5,000 tonnes of soya into Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; and

Maize meal in excess of 3,000 tonnes into the Democratic Republic Congo.

Aurora anticipates to deliver at least 90,000 tonnes of maize and 20,000 tonnes of soya beans in the next twelve (12) months through out the above mentioned countries

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BÜHLER Working for a cause Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) is a non-profit organisation that supports African food producers and millers with technical and economic knowledge and expertise thanks to the voluntary work of employees from the partner companies. PFS was founded in 2009 by General Mills and includes several leading companies from the global food industry as partners. Bühler became a partner in 2013. Since then, employees have supported projects in Africa and in October 2016, a meeting of the founding partners took place at Bühler in Uzwil, and in addition to projects already running, the Company will support more local training courses for food processing. The Company also joined the organisation “One Young World” in 2016. This non-profit organisation brings together young leaders from all over the world in order to develop solutions for the most pressing challenges worldwide. The Company supports the nonprofit organisation Partners in Food Solutions with its vision to improve food security and nutrition to enrich lives around the world, together with some of the world’s largest food and agricultural companies.

Capital investments affirms AIF's pioneering status

learn how to implement high quality manufacturing standards.” AIF has never been afraid to invest where necessary, whether that’s into product development or human resources, and so far, €60 million has been spent on capital expenditures in Rwanda alone. Covering elements of packaging lines, new technologies or manufacturing processes, AIF remains a truly pioneering venture. “Our vision is for Africa to feed Africa,” Ali emphasises.

Country Manager, Prosper Ndayiragije adds: “A lot of the food aid and commercial food products that are distributed in Africa are still imported from abroad. By upholding the highest quality standards and sourcing ingredients locally, we are hoping to boost the local economy and contribute to sustainable development. “From a commercial perspective, this translates into making available a local product that is as good as

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As of today, Partners in Food Solutions have helped strengthen the xxxxxxxxx capacity Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx of more than 600 food companies in Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Ethiopia, impacting nearly 829,000 local smallholder farmers who support an estimated 4.9 million family members. Bühler is proud to contribute to this great cause with financial support and skilled volunteers.

www.buhlergroup.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Every day, billions of people come into contact with BĂźhler, be it to cover their basic needs for food or for mobility. With our industrial process technologies and solutions, we contribute significantly to feeding the worldâ€™s population, as well as reducing carbon emissions of cars, buildings and machinery. As a global Swiss family enterprise, we are committed to a sustainable future. www.buhlergroup.com

Dedicated to healthy nutrition and energy efficiency.

Innovations for a better world.

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EAST AFRICAN PACKAGING INDUSTRIES LTD (EAPI)

ast African Packaging Industries Ltd (EAPI) was established in 1959 in Nairobi, Kenya. Since then EAPI has been one of the leading manufacturers of products made out of corrugated cardboard. To keep up with the demands of modern packaging and in order to maintain service levels of the ever increasing volumes of our customer base, EAPI is investing heavily in upgrading our machinery; including state-of-the-art multi-colour printing presses. These investments will help to service one of our major long-term customers and one of the world leaders in horticulture, Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd.

www.eapi.co.ke

or better than any of the imported brands. To compete with those premium brands, we are looking into introducing both instant flavoured cereals in packaging ranging from tins to large family packs.â€?

AFGRI AFGRI & AIF partner to ensure food security

Improving livelihoods

In order to achieve local sustainability throughout the value chain, it has also been a concerted strategy of AIFâ€™s to hire 100 percent locally. Naturally, when this becomes a challenge, the search becomes regional rather than national, but as a Greenfield project, there is a lot of space for personal development; and the Company has quickly established itself as an employer of choice. In the past nine months alone, many employees have risen through the ranks of the Company, and AIF is proud of the opportunities it is able to offer young people as they look to unearth their own talents and begin their own professional journeys.

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AFGRI has been in grain management since 1923 and set up its operation in Uganda in July 2013 to contribute to food security in the country. The Company operates in each region of Uganda as they source, maintain and store for food & feeds manufacturers both locally and regionally. Africa Improved Foods (AIF) manufactures high quality and nutritious complementary foods, thus deserves high quality grain especially for the infant and a strategic partnership of AFGRI and AIF will strengthen food security within the region. Equipment to facilitate competition with premium brands

T +27 11 063 2347

www.afgri.co.za

AFGRI is a leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of your agricultural enterprise. AFGRI, your partner for life.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT ENSURING FOOD SECURITY FOR OUR CONTINENT, ON WHICH OUR BUSINESS HAS A MORE THAN 90 YEAR HERITAGE IN GRAIN AND AGRICULTURE. IT IS THIS PASSION THAT DRIVES OUR VISION INTO AFRICA. AFGRI Grain Management 12 Byls Bridge Boulevard, Highveld, Ext 73, Centurion 0157 | PO Box 11054, Centurion 0046 | T: +27 11 063 2347 | www.afgri.co.za

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ZDENAKIE

denakie is a Zambian company trading in agricultural commodities, supplying fertilisers and is a leading storage provider in the country. The Company is very active in supplying grains and oil seeds in the SADC region and expanded recently in the East African region including working with organisations such as the World Food Program. The Company has also partnered with Africa Improved Foods in Rwanda to supply some of AIF’s maize requirements. We are very proud to be associated with a Company such as AIF that makes a meaningful contribution in reducing malnutrition in Rwanda through their highly nutritious range of products and a Company who seeks out for the best quality of raw materials for its products’ .

www.zdenakie.com “For some positions we work exclusively with interns who go through training in different departments based on their interest and potential,” Joshi details. “With the right training, mentoring and feedback some of them have secured permanent positions in the Company.” A similarly local commitment is evident across AIF’s pivotal supply chain management too. With an annual maize demand of approximately 28,000 metric tonnes, the Company is by far Rwanda’s biggest maize procurer. Local supply is therefore the only sustainable method to keep up with such demand in the long-term. “As maize is an important staple crop in Rwanda, AIF is in a unique position to improve local farmers’ livelihoods,” Ndayiragije explains. “AIF is committed to paying farmers a premium price for high quality maize. To help farmers improve their yields and quality standards, we are partnering with CHAI, World Vision

International, Technoserve and One Acre Fund. “We are currently working with about 9,000 local farmers and are looking to increase this number next season.” Another element of AIF’s cooperation with farmers has been the value-added option of quick cash payments and on-farm transport services. Ndayiragije adds: “We work with Kumwe Logistics - a Rwanda-based start-up - to deliver this. Unlike maize and soya, ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and milk powder are hard to find in the region. These products we import either from South Africa or Europe.”

Creating shared value

As a result of AIF’s all-encompassing devotion to local and regional upliftment, the Company is often referred to as a ‘social enterprise’. On the supply side of the value chain, it works with partners to improve

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smallholder farmers’ production, while on the demand side, the business is equally adept at working alongside governmental institutions and sector associations in order to work towards a common goal: “to ensure the poorest of the poor have access to subsidised nutritious food”. “To ensure long-term access to affordable, nutritious foods, we are also working hard to reduce the prices of our commercial products, albeit without compromising on quality, so that all segments of society can fulfil their micronutrient requirements,” Ali notes. “It is perhaps fair to say AIF is more involved in ‘creating shared value’ than ‘corporate social responsibility’.” The scale and social mission associated with the shared value being generated makes AIF unique. It is the largest producer of FBF in East Africa with an annual capacity of 45,000 metric tonnes, which is impressive in itself. But in then focusing that capacity towards plugging societal

P.O. Box 32289, Lusaka, Zambia

T+260 211 846333 info@zdenakie.com www.zdenakie.com

Zdenakie trades in agricultural commodities, supplies fertilisers & storage in Zambia. G R A I N T R A D I N G | F E R T I L I S E R S U P P LY | T R A N S P O R T & L O G I S T I C S | W A R E H O U S I N G

cracks, the ambition veers from being financially-driven to being more broadly significant. Ali concludes: “The focus is on reducing malnutrition and sourcing maize and soya from local smallholder farmers as much as it is on getting a return on investment. And in the future I would like to see a significant reduction in malnutrition in line with this focus. “That would mean AIF has contributed to the improved wellbeing of an entire generation of children, and that achievement would be priceless. “Secondly, I would like to see AIF become a trusted supplier of NGOs and Governments in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC and Kenya. And thirdly, I would like to see our Nootri products listed in the shops of these same countries. “Finally, I’d also like to see an improvement in local sourcing. With nutritious locally-sourced foods, it would be great if we could truly get Africa to feed Africa.”

Your globally diversified merchant and client solutions provider Engelhart Commodities Trading Partners was established in 2013 and has since developed into a global community merchant, with a presence in all the major global commodities hubs. The Company is a global diversified merchant and client solutions provider in the commodities space, covering a range of agricultural, industrial and energy products. The Company provides support to its clients throughout the entire value chain with a proven strategy focused on financing, marketing, transportation and risk mitigation.

www.ectp.com Silverstream Business Park, 10 Muswell Road South, Bryanston 2021, Johannesburg, South Africa

Tel: +27 11 996 6600

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Kigali Special Economic Zone, Agri-Park, Silos Site, Plots No: E3 F2 Kigali, Rwanda T +250 788 389 516 info@africaimprovedfoods.com