HomeREGIONAL DIRECTOR´S MESSAGE

I cordially invite all of you to the 27th Annual International Association of Operative Millers Mideast & Africa Region (IAOM MEA) Conference & Expo on 24-27 October 2016 at the Millennium Hall Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Our region is facing challenging times that call for creative, practical, and sustainable solutions to serve our association’s main goal of advancing education and training opportunities in the grain milling industries.

In line with the steps we’ve taken in recent years to connect with our fellow millers in Africa, it’s vital that we gather in Africa’s political and diplomatic capital, Ethiopia. The country is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest wheat consumer and fastest growing economy in the world.

We have consulted with our local host, Ethiopian Millers Association, on the technical topics and challenges they would like to be addressed during the conference. Our dialogue launched the idea of a panel discussion, “Feeding the Fastest Growing Economies of East Africa,” which will feature the region’s milling industry leaders and their success stories, and will be moderated by Martin Schlauri, Managing Director, African Milling School, Buhler MEA.

The other panel discussion, “Regional Review: The Modern Middle East,” will focus on the consequences of privatization and subsidy reforms in UAE, KSA, Iran, Egypt, and Jordan. It will be moderated by David McKee, a world-renowned grain industry consultant.

Dan Basse, President and Founder of AgResource Company, will join both panel discussions and will also moderate the trading sessions.

Following the success of the 1st Sub-Saharan Regional Forum held last year in Kenya, IAOM MEA will have the 1st Middle East Regional Forum on 18-19 May 2016 in Movenpick Hotel Cairo - Media City, Giza, Egypt. Moreover, IAOM MEA is working with Buhler to develop a one-week milling course entirely in Arabic, which is targeted to happen by spring 2017.

Finally, IAOM MEA’s revamped website will be launched by October 2016. The new portal will feature industry news, listings of used machines and spare parts, job opportunities, feature articles and interviews with key personalities and innovators of MEA’s milling industry.

All these educational initiatives would not have been possible without your continuous support and active participation in IAOM MEA events throughout the region. We are also thankful to our generous sponsors, and the volunteerism of our Leadership Council, Education Committee, and Forum Leaders.

Enjoy the conference!

Sincerely yours
Ali Habaj
IAOM MEA Regional Director