Across the African continent, the import of grain and food products contributes to negative trade balances, which create negative cycles of high inflation, weakened local currencies, and forex shortages. However, Africa has vast areas of arable land, abundant local grains, and the potential to feed its people and even export any surplus. The empowerment of Africa starts with adding value to its natural resources within their countries of origin.
To support our customers in developing safe and affordable food using local grains, we have built the Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC), an R&D Center fully dedicated to unleashing the potential of local crops and ancient grains on an industrial scale, not only in Nigeria, but for the whole of Africa and beyond. It functions as a research and development hub specialized on locally grown crops and traditional grains and as a training center, with a comprehensive training program to empower food processors across the region. The GPIC is the place to be when it comes to utilizing the many exceptional opportunities in transforming raw materials into new recipes through optimized processing. Strategically located in the city of Kano, the trading and processing hub for agricultural commodities in West Africa, the GPIC is positioned to ensure ease of accessibility to grain markets located all over Kano. Grains and nuts are readily available in large quantities in Kano, Nigeria, including sorghum, millet, wheat, maize, soya beans, groundnuts, beans, cashew nuts, tiger nuts, cassia tora, etc. Also available are other unidentified grain varieties detected in the local markets, which could hold potential for large-scale processing after trials at the GPIC.
Gain exclusive access to our equipment to test and develop your product and transform raw materials into new recipes through optimized processing. We support you to achieve high-quality end products that resonate with both taste and nutritional value. At the Grain Processing Innovation Center, the goal is to deliver whole-grain flour and meticulously cleaned grains through rigorous trials and cutting-edge techniques. However, that is just the beginning. With the versatile setup and a spirit of collaboration, the GPIC is equipped to transform these raw materials into a diverse array of final products. From pasta to biscuits, wafers to noodles, the possibilities are boundless.
Our application experts are there throughout the process to support you in finding the process or product you need and train your employees with lots of interaction and case studies for maximum retention. Our experts are also available for technical assistance and training at your plant. We work closely with our other application centers – such as milling and baking- so you can create fully integrated production processes.
Mustafa is an expert in alternative and sustainable food solutions. He has spent over 10 years of his career in grain processing, food value addition, finished products, and recipe development. He joined Bühler in 2024 and has ever since been responsible for the management and organization of the courses at the GPIC.
Mohammed graduated as a Mechanical Engineer in 2010. He spent 10 years working in Five Stars Flour Mills in Egypt and 2 years in Syria, commissioning new Bühler plants and training the staff there. He has completed the NABIM course, African Milling School, and the Swiss School of Milling. Mohammed joined Bühler as a Head Miller in 2023 after 12 years in the flour milling industry.
Soumava is the main instructor for the GPIC Optical Sorting Course. He joined Bühler in 2015 as an Assistant Engineer in the customer service department. With a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a background encompassing 13+ years of experience in the optical sorting industry, he is managing the Sortex team in Bühler Nigeria, contributing his skills and knowledge to enhance customer satisfaction.
Asiya joined Bühler in 2023 as a Sortex engineer trainee and later transitioned into the administration in 2024, leveraging her technical expertise and leadership skills. She now plays a vital role in streamlining operations and driving organizational efficiency. Her task area includes the support of customers and students during their training at the GPIC.
Abdulaziz is a Mechanical Engineer who began his journey with Bühler in 2023. He brings a passion for precision and innovation, focusing on honing his technical skills and delivering impactful results. Abdulaziz is now responsible for offering technical support to students and customers at the GPIC.
Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC)
gpic@buhlergroup.com
+234 9169978795
15 Maimalari Road, Bompai
Kano
Nigeria
