A partner in Food Solutions (PFS) is on a mission to revolutionize Africa’s food security landscape through the power of food processing. With a cadre of over 2,000 experts at their disposal, this nonprofit consortium is poised to catalyze a significant shift in the continent’s approach to food production and distribution.
In many parts of the world, food processing is a thriving multibillion-dollar industry. However, in Africa, the sector remains underdeveloped, with a heavy focus on primary food exports. This imbalance not only hampers economic growth but also exacerbates challenges such as post-harvest losses, where a staggering 40% of food goes to waste.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Partners in Food Solutions was born out of a visionary conversation between Ken Powell, former CEO of General Mills, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Since its inception, the consortium, which includes major players like Cargill, Bühler, and Hershey, has been dedicated to bridging the gap in Africa’s food processing sector.
Through a collaborative effort, PFS experts have provided over 163,000 pro bono consulting hours to more than 2,000 small and growing businesses across 11 African countries. Their support spans a wide range of areas, from manufacturing equipment recommendations to marketing strategies, ultimately driving growth and innovation in agricultural value addition and processing.
PFS Program Director Vivian Maduekeh emphasized the untapped potential of Africa’s food processing industry. By investing in the middle of the value chain, she explained, the continent can unlock substantial value from its agricultural resources, creating employment opportunities, reducing waste, and meeting the diverse needs of local consumers.
One of PFS’s key initiatives is its apprenticeship program, aimed at nurturing the next generation of food industry professionals and building a sustainable local food ecosystem. Additionally, the consortium offers financial consultations, technical assistance, and certification support to help processors meet stringent international standards and access new markets.
What sets Partners in Food Solutions apart is its laser focus on food processing companies. While many organizations work directly with farmers or consumers, PFS is uniquely positioned to drive transformative change from within the industry itself, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous food system across the continent.