Maize is a key part of Namibia’s culture and diet. Understanding its importance, the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) aimed to boost local maize milling operations to better serve communities. In May 2020, a partnership with Maize Master began, leading to the installation of the first maize milling plant at AMTA. What started as a major step soon turned into an ongoing, successful collaboration.
First Installation at AMTA: A Strong Start
In May 2020, Maize Master installed a 1-ton-per-hour sifted maize milling plant at AMTA. This was a big move toward AMTA’s goal of improving food security and agriculture in Namibia. However, they noticed that Namibians preferred a finer type of sifted maize meal compared to South Africans, who like a coarser version.
To meet local preferences, Maize Master in collaboration with AMTA adjusted the plant to produce a finer maize meal. This change helped AMTA’s product become popular quickly, creating a need for future upgrades to keep up with demand. The ability of Maize Master’s equipment to adapt to local needs allowed AMTA to offer a product that suited their marketperfectly.
A Visit from AMTA: Hands-On Experience
The partnership grew stronger when AMTA’s representatives, Tuliky Shawapala and Oputjo(Kallie) Mbekumuna, visited Maize Master’s facilities in Kroonstad, South Africa. They were able to see how the milling plant worked and make sure it would produce the maize meal that Namibians prefer.
Their visit included a tour of the production plant and a closer look at the technology used to make their customised mill. Tuliky and Kallie were involved in adjusting the particle size of the maize meal, making sure it would have the right texture for local tastes.
The highlight of the visit was a cooking demonstration where both teams made porridge using the milled maize meal. This test confirmed the quality of the maize meal and further strengthened the partnership by sharing in a cultural experience.
Fine-Tuning for Success
During the initial setup of the maize mill, two key things were focused on. First, the extraction rate had to be high to make the process efficient. Second, the texture and granule size of the maize meal needed to match what people in Namibia prefer. The porridge cooking demonstration helped confirm that the settings were correct, ensuring the mill would produce a product that met local expectations.
Thanks to the feedback from Tuliky and Kallie’s visit, final adjustments were made to the mill.
Expanding to Meet Growing Demand
As AMTA’s operations grew, so did the demand for their maize meal. The success of the first plant and the rise in popularity meant AMTA needed to expand. To help them keep up with the demand, Maize Master upgraded their plant with a new machine that could handle larger production volumes.
The latest upgrade included the installation of the MM7000E. This new machine is more energy-efficient, requires less maintenance, and can produce more maize meal. With 1-meter rollers and a longer lifespan, the MM7000E ensures reliable production while maintaining high quality.
The new plant is seven times bigger than the original, helping AMTA meet the growing demand for finely sifted maize meal in Namibia.
A Bright Future for Maize Milling in Namibia
The partnership between Maize Master and AMTA has not only improved the way maize is milled in Namibia but also helped the local economy and food security. By offering a product that matches the preferences of Namibian consumers, AMTA has become a top supplier of maize meal in the region.
AMTA plans to continue expanding its operations and may even set up similar plants in other areas of Namibia. As demand grows, more communities will benefit from having access to high-quality, finely sifted maize meal.
Maize Master and AMTA’s teamwork shows how local knowledge and modern technology can come together to create positive change. They are not only meeting today’s needs but also preparing for a stronger, more secure future for maize milling in Namibia.