Ethiopia Strengthens Fortified Food Market Linkages and Boosts Nutrition at Landmark B2B Workshop

TechnoServe and the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center convened public and private sector actors to advance food fortification and institutional procurement

ADDIS ABABA (July 2, 2025) — Last week, a business-to-business workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, food processors, industry associations, institutional buyers, and nongovernmental organizations to strengthen market linkages for fortified foods in Ethiopia. 

Co-organized by the Millers for Nutrition coalition–powered by nonprofit TechnoServe– and the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center (FBIRDC), the event convened 77 participants working to address micronutrient deficiency and improve food quality.

The workshop featured opening remarks by TechnoServe Ethiopia Country Director Makeda Tadesse and an official address from His Excellency Sileshi Lema of the Ministry of Industry. Geremew Tassew, program manager at TechnoServe, presented key insights on food fortification and market linkage initiatives led by Millers for Nutrition.

Participants had the opportunity to explore a showcase of fortified food products and discuss procurement partnerships. A key focus of the event was the Ethiopian government’s directive requiring public institutions to allocate budgets for fortified food purchases, signaling strong policy support for improved nutrition.

Momentum around food fortification continues to grow in Ethiopia. Currently, 51 wheat millers and 25 edible oil refineries are producing and distributing fortified products, while dozens more are working toward compliance. Since September, Ethiopia has produced over 35,000 metric tons of fortified edible oil and more than 82,000 metric tons of fortified wheat flour, according to FBIRDC data.

“This is an exciting moment, as the private sector, government, and civil society are coming together to drive forward the country’s food fortification agenda,” said Makeda Tadesse of TechnoServe. “We hope that this workshop leads to concrete procurement plans, building the market for fortified foods and helping more Ethiopians access the micronutrients they need for a healthy life.”

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About Millers for Nutrition

Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe and is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners – BASF, Buhler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin, BioAnalyt; Regional Fortification Partners Hexagon Nutrition Ltd, Piramal Nutrition Solutions, Sanku, and a growing group of regional and local partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence that ultimately benefits the society while enhancing business sustainability. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining this initiative can learn more at millersfornutrition.com.

About TechnoServe

Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 35 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.

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