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Building resilient food supply chains in Southern Africa
that food production remains stable and reliable, even in challenging operating environments. Sustainability is not an abstract envi- ronmental objective; it is a prerequisite for stable food production. Reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring safe, high-quality output directly affect the availability and affordability of food. When combined with local training and technical support, sustainable solutions strengthen food systems and contribute to long-term food security. Critical aspects such as fortification, food safety and waste reduction are some- times overlooked in discussions about resil- ience, yet they are fundamental to building a stable and nutritious food system. Across Africa, Bühler has supported food fortification initiatives in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, working with millers, governments, and development partners to integrate precise dosing, mixing, and quality-control solutions into maize and wheat milling operations. These efforts help staple foods deliver es- sential micronutrients at scale. Local presence and regional expertise are also vital in turning these principles into practice. This includes customer service, maintenance and close collabo- ration with local teams. Understanding local challenges, responding quickly to operational issues, and tailoring solutions to specific conditions all depend on being embedded in the region. “Bühler’s strategy places strong em- phasis on training and upskilling local teams, ensuring that technical expertise, operational know-how, and service ca- pabilities are available where they are needed most,” says Pieterse. www.buhlergroup.com
essential. Predictive monitoring to prevent unplanned downtime, improved storage to safeguard grain quality, and robust logistics are equally critical. Just as important is investing in local expertise through continuous training and closer collaboration among farmers, pro- cessors and other supply chain partners. Together, these measures enable mills to maintain safe, consistent food production – even amid external disruption. Innovation only strengthens resilience if it is adapted to local realities. In regions facing persistent energy and infrastructure constraints, solutions must be practical, robust and designed for operating condi- tions on the ground. Energy-efficient equip- ment helps sustain output during power disruptions, while modular and scalable processing systems allow capacity to ad- just as conditions change. Robust storage infrastructure protects raw materials and finished products, and digital tools built to operate under limited connectivity ensure that technology enhances resilience rather than introducing new vulnerabilities. Energy efficiency, automation and pro- cess optimisation are therefore directly linked to food security outcomes. Bühler’s energy-efficient grinding and processing technologies, combined with automated process control and digital monitoring solutions, help reduce operating costs and energy demand while maintaining consis- tent throughput. Advanced automation and quality control systems support food safety and product consistency, while data-driven workflow optimisation and predictive maintenance services minimise waste and unplanned downtime. Together, these solutions help ensure
Lourens Pieterse, Head of Sales, Bühler Southern Africa.
For decades, food systems were built to maximise efficiency, scale and affordability. Today, climate-related disruptions, energy shocks, and market volatility are exposing the structural fragilities of that model, says Lourens Pieterse, Head of Sales, Bühler Southern Africa. To remain resilient and competitive, these systems must be redesigned. Grain systems – from agriculture through silo storage to processing – sit at the core of this shift, as they shape how shocks propagate – or are contained – across the food system. Milling and food processing are not simply industrial functions; they are critical infrastructure for food security. By con- verting raw agricultural commodities into safe, storable and transportable food, food system producers form the backbone of reli- able food availability. Effective processing reduces post-harvest losses, extends shelf life, and ensures consistent quality, even when agricultural production or weather patterns are unpredictable. Strengthening resilience across the milling value chain requires a system-wide approach. Modern, reliable equipment is
GEMÜbutterflyvalvescertifiedforhydrogenapplications
Valve specialist GEMÜ has successfully had several butterfly valves certified in accordance with DIN EN 13774 and DVGW- CERT ZP4110. The test, conducted by the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (DVGW), confirms that the valves are fully suitable for use with hydrogen in gaseous form. The butterfly valves GEMÜ R480, R481, R487, R488 Victoria, as well as GEMÜ R470, R471, R477 and R478 Tugela, are suitable for operation with hydrogen. The certifica- tion applies to all body configurations and pressure ratings. This makes GEMÜ butterfly valves suit - able for a multitude of industrial applica- tions in the hydrogen sector. They are used
in electrolysis, PPE and fuel cell plants, as well as in distribution networks for isolating and controlling gas and liquid flows. They are also used in auxiliary processes, such as cooling-water and gas treatment systems. In power-to-liquid plants, they enable precise control of hydrogen, CO 2 , and synthesis gas flows in reactor and supply circuits. The certified series complies with all technical requirements for hydrogen ap- plications, including a compact design, short switching times and suitability for a wide range of media. With certification complete, GEMÜ butterfly valves are now available for all gaseous hydrogen applications. This means that customers can benefit from proven
solutions for safely, reliably and efficiently operating hydrogen-based systems. https://www.gemu-group.com/en/ GEMÜ R480, R481, R487, R488 Victoria Butterfly valves are now certified in accordance with DIN EN 13774 and DVGW-CERT ZP4110 for use with hydrogen in gaseous form.
March-April 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 43
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