Based in Dodoma, central Tanzania, Chamwino Super Sembe Supply Ltd sources maize from smallholder farmers and processes fortified maize flour for domestic food consumption. Maize is the staple food for the majority of Tanzanians and it is a critical crop for food security. Most maize in Tanzania (80 percent) is produced by small-scale farmers and it is grown both for subsistence and as a cash crop. Yet very little of the maize that is domestically grown is nutritionally fortified before it reaches consumers. By contrast, Chamwino mills maize into flour while fortifying it with iron, zinc, folic acid, and other vitamins. Chamwino supplies its products to wholesalers, retailers, and government agencies, as well as hospitals, public schools, and colleges across the country.
Chamwino annually purchases and processes 5,500 metric tons of maize sourced from 1,800 smallholder farmers, the majority of whom (~60%) are women. The company also employs 30 full-time staff in its factory and 40-50 part-time employees depending on production volumes.
Since accessing its first loan from CSAF member SME Impact Fund in 2015, Chamwino has doubled its processing capacity in a new factory with modern equipment and also expanded distribution of its fortified flour by adding six delivery trucks. In that time, the enterprise has transformed its basic factory into an improved facility complete with modern milling and drying equipment.
SME Impact Fund has also provided Chamwino with technical assistance in creating a business plan and financial projections, introducing a robust financial management and record-keeping system, and developing business and human resources management skills. This investment in the management capacity of Chamwino is an essential accompaniment to financing in support of the business’ ability to produce nutritious products for a growing consumer base.