The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) has launched an ambitious initiative to tackle malnutrition across Africa, aiming to reach 10 million people in seven countries, including Kenya, by 2025. The announcement was made at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Conference Summit, hosted by the Government of Rwanda, where the FWGA unveiled plans to increase access to fortified whole grains in Kenya, Rwanda, Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Supported by major global partners such as The Rockefeller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the FWGA aims to bring together governments, nonprofits, and the private sector to address the continent’s pressing nutrition challenges.
“The launch of the FWGA marks a crucial step in combating global malnutrition and promoting sustainable food systems. Our target is to increase the availability of fortified whole grains in low- and middle-income countries by 50% in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets by 2032,” said David Kamau, Managing Director of the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance.
With initial projects already underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, the FWGA’s expansion will bring focus to different staple foods across Africa. Kenya and its East African neighbors will prioritize fortified whole-grain maize, while efforts in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin will concentrate on parboiled unpolished rice. In Egypt, the Alliance will focus on whole wheat flour.
This targeted approach is designed to cater to each country’s specific dietary needs and preferences while ensuring that fortified whole grains become a staple in local markets.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving the Alliance’s goals. “Together, we are more than just a coalition; we are a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when governments, the private sector, nonprofits, and communities come together with a shared vision,” Musabyimana said.
The FWGA initiative comes at a critical time, with global malnutrition remaining one of the most significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The introduction of fortified whole grains aims to bridge nutritional gaps by enhancing the quality of food consumed by millions of people.
Fortified whole grains contain six to seven times more protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients than refined grains, providing substantial health benefits without increasing production costs. This shift also has environmental advantages, as fortified grains require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides, supporting sustainability goals while addressing food security.
Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President for Food at The Rockefeller Foundation, praised the initiative’s potential impact. “By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations—especially those in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with our commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone can thrive.”
The FWGA’s mission aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas related to zero hunger and good health and well-being. By increasing access to fortified foods, the Alliance aims to improve dietary standards while fostering long-term environmental sustainability.
As the Alliance looks ahead to 2025, its goals reflect a broader vision of transforming food systems across Africa to better serve the continent’s growing population. The collaboration of international foundations, African governments, and local communities underscores the significance of this initiative in shaping Africa’s future.
The discussions at the Africa Food Systems Conference highlighted the importance of fortified foods in addressing both health and development challenges, with speakers stressing the urgent need to prioritize nutrition as a pillar for sustainable growth.
As Africa’s population continues to rise, initiatives like the FWGA could serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with similar nutritional and environmental challenges, ensuring that fortified whole grains become a key part of the solution.
