O U R E N T E R P R I S E
P H A S E O N E : M A I Z E M I L L I N G
We manage a maize milling facility in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, Southwestern Uganda, where we produce and sell Turaco branded maize flour. We currently produce 1,750 kg of flour per day. Our maize flour is UNBS certified as a quality product.
Our flour is sold on the domestic market through retailers and wholesale distributors in Rwamwanja and trading towns in neighbouring districts. Our flour is competitive, being sold at affordable prices, typically 5-10% cheaper than flour of a similar UNBS quality. Maize bran, our by-product, is sold to local livestock keepers and feed manufacturers.
Storage and quality grain handling is critical for a profitable maize milling enterprise. At the start of each season, we communicate our grain needs to partnered farmer groups and local traders. We offer to cover the transport costs for smallholders and premiums prices for optimal moisture content. All grain is subject to quality control before purchase. Grain is then sorted, dried, bagged and stacked in our warehouse. Since 2022 we have been spending +$50,000 per season on maize grain purchases in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement.
To reach profitability in 2025, inclusive of farmer-support costs, we will produce 3,500 kg of flour per day. By 2026, we project our mill to enable us to scale operations into alternative value-chains and additional refugee-hosting areas. To reach this level we are investing into increasing our capacity to dry, clean, store and transport grain, and automate our milling equipment.
