Food Fortification Initiative Targets Import Substitution, Public Health Gains, Says Development Center

Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 — The Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Centre (FBIRDC) has announced that it has intensified its food fortification initiative, focusing on a dual strategy to reduce import dependency and improve public health outcomes.

To support these goals, a Business-to-Business (B2B) workshop was held today in Addis Ababa to strengthen market linkages for fortified food products.

The event was organised by TechnoServe in collaboration with the FBIRDC, bringing together key industry stakeholders.

Speaking at the workshop, FBIRDC Director General Debebe Worku emphasised that the centre, along with partners, has scaled up fortification activities across key staples, including wheat flour, edible oil, salt with folic acid and fortified maize products.

The director general further noted that the programme is expected to expand further to additional food categories, stressing that local fortification plays a key role in import substitution while addressing micronutrient deficiencies that affect public health.

He also revealed significant growth in industry participation, stating that the number of companies engaged in food fortification has been rising over time.

On his part, Ethiopia Country Manager for Millers for Nutrition Geremew Tassew stated that TechnoServe has been supporting companies involved in strengthening fortification practices.

He further explained that out of 368 wheat millers in Ethiopia, 197 are now actively engaged in fortification.

He added that among 47 edible oil refineries, 43 are currently fortifying their products and have achieved compliance standards.

TechnoServe is a nonprofit organisation working with entrepreneurs in developing countries to build competitive farms, businesses, and industries.

Millers for Nutrition is a coalition of major food fortification stakeholders supporting millers to fortify staple foods such as wheat and maize flour, edible oil, and rice across eight countries, including Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Tanzania, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Pakistan.