India, Aug. 6 -- Olam Agri has doubled its wheat milling capacity in Senegal to meet growing consumer demand for wheat-based products. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the expanded facility can now process more than 360,000 metric tonnes of wheat annually, strengthening Senegals food security while supporting the growth of its food manufacturing sector.
The expanded facility was officially inaugurated in Diamniadio, Senegal, on 9 July by Dr Serigne Guye Diop, Senegals Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Mamadou Moulaye Guye, Mayor of Diamniadio, alongside Mr Ahmadou Bamba Ndao, DCI Minister of Commerce; representatives from APIX, government agencies, project partners, financial institutions, and customers from across Senegals agrifood sector.
During the ceremony, Dr Serigne Guye Diop highlighted the strategic importance of expanding local processing capacity to meet rising domestic demand, strengthen food security and accelerate Senegals industrialisation ambitions under Vision Sngal 2050. He described the investment as an important contribution to building a more resilient and competitive agrifood sector, noting its role in creating jobs, generating economic value, advancing technology transfer and enhancing the countrys attractiveness for future investment. He also encouraged greater private sector investment in strategic industries that support Senegals long-term economic development.
Since entering Senegals wheat milling sector in 2012, Olam Agri has continued to invest in expanding local food manufacturing capabilities to support the countrys growing demand for wheat-based products.
"This expansion reflects Olam Agris long-term confidence in Senegal and our commitment to supporting the countrys food security, industrialisation and economic development ambitions. By doubling our milling capacity, we are strengthening local food manufacturing, improving supply resilience and creating greater value within Senegal. The investment will enable us to better support bakeries, pasta and biscuit manufacturers, food processors and SMEs, while reinforcing Senegals position as a strategic production and distribution hub for Francophone West Africa," said Sapan Kumar, Country Head, Senegal, Olam Agri.
Beyond expanding its milling capacity, Olam Agri continues to invest in sustainable and inclusive growth across Senegal. Its ESG and RSE initiatives include MAMIE (Making African Mothers Independent & Entrepreneurs), which empowers women through entrepreneurship, Project ECLORE, which supports youth skills development and employability, and its Waste to Wisdom programme promoting responsible waste management and recycling. The company is also advancing renewable energy, water stewardship and waste reduction across its operations, with the ambition of achieving Zero Landfill by 2028.
Olam Agri has operated in Senegal since 2009 and entered the wheat milling sector in 2012. Today, its operations support approximately 800 direct and indirect jobs.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.