At the 2024 Africa Food Systems Conference Summit, hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the AFS Forum Partner’s group, the Fortified Whole Grain Alliance (FWGA) was officially launched with a new ambitious goal of reaching 10 million people across seven countries by 2025 with fortified whole grains solutions in Kenya, Rwanda, Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria.
A coalition of stakeholders from across the food system, FWGA is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in collaboration with core, implementing, and institutional partners such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), DSM-Firmenich, Boston Consulting Group, and others.
With active initiatives underway in Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi, focusing on fortified whole-grain maize, expansion plans included at least three West African nations (Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin) concentrating on parboiled unpolished rice and North Africa (Egypt), where efforts would focus on whole wheat flour.
“The launch of the FWGA marks a crucial step in combating global malnutrition and promoting sustainable food systems. We have set a target of increasing the availability of fortified whole grains in low- and middle-income countries by least 50% in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets by 2032. We welcome partners to join this movement for a healthier future,” said David Kamau, Managing Director, Fortified Whole Grain Alliance.”
This latest effort advances the Alliance’s long-term vision of catalyzing a significant shift in consumption patterns of fortified whole grains to tackle global malnutrition and promote more sustainable food systems for people and planet.
Speaking at the launch, Hon. Jean Claude Musabyimana, from the Ministry of Local Government in Rwanda said, “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. By working together, we can create a future where fortified whole grains are a staple in every household, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.”
Roy Steiner, Senior Vice President for Food, The Rockefeller Foundation added, “The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations – especially people living in vulnerable communities. This initiative aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone, no matter their circumstances, can thrive.”
Shifting from refined grains to fortified whole grains offers a multitude of benefits. They can significantly improve dietary quality without increasing production costs. Fortified whole grains offer six to seven times more nutritional value than their refined counterparts, providing higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients. In addition, this transition supports environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as FWGs require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The launch of the Alliance on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Conference Summit also included discussions on the broader impact of fortified foods on public health and development, highlighting FWGA’s potential to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger and good health and well-being.
