Africa Improved Foods (Holding) BV

Africa Improved Foods (AIF) is a social enterprise established in 2016 to combat malnutrition and improve food security in Africa. It operates as a public-private partnership between Royal DSM, the Government of Rwanda, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. The company was founded in response to a call from Rwandan President Paul Kagame to address the nation's high rate of stunting, which stood at 47% at the time. Since its intervention, stunting rates in children have declined significantly.

AIF's business model centers on manufacturing high-quality, fortified blended foods from locally sourced raw materials. The company operates one of the largest and most advanced food processing plants on the continent in Kigali, Rwanda, with an annual capacity of 45,000 tons. Its primary clients are institutional buyers like the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Rwanda, which distribute the products through relief and social programs targeting vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and young children. AIF is one of only two global manufacturers of 'Super Cereal Plus', a specialized product for WFP.

In addition to its institutional business, AIF has a commercial portfolio of fortified cereals under the 'Nootri' brand, which includes 'Nootri Baby' and 'Nootri All Family'. These products are sold in retail markets, making nutritious options affordable and accessible to a broader consumer base. This commercial expansion is a key part of the company's strategy for financial sustainability and continental growth into markets like Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria. The company's business model is designed for social impact, not just profit, aiming to make its products significantly more affordable than competing international brands.

A cornerstone of AIF's operation is its local sourcing model, which supports regional agricultural value chains. The company works with over 90,000 smallholder farmers across Rwanda and the region, providing training and support to improve crop quality and reduce post-harvest losses, particularly from aflatoxin contamination. This approach has created a reliable supply chain for AIF while boosting farmer incomes and improving the local maize market.

Keywords: fortified foods, malnutrition, food security, public-private partnership, social enterprise, local sourcing, infant nutrition, food manufacturing, agricultural value chain, smallholder farmers, stunting reduction, blended foods, Africa, Rwanda, humanitarian relief, commercial cereals, sustainable development, nutrition solutions, food processing, economic development