Welcome Message from the Chairman

36th IAOM MEA Conference & Expo 2026

“Grain of Change” | Cape Town, South Africa

Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Members, Industry Partners and Friends,

On behalf of the National Chamber of Milling and the South African wheat and maize milling industry, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 36th IAOM Mideast & Africa Conference & Expo in Cape Town in November 2026.

The return of IAOM MEA to South Africa is an important occasion for our industry. It brings together millers, suppliers, traders, technical experts, equipment manufacturers and industry leaders at a time when milling is being reshaped by food-security demands, technology, energy efficiency, quality assurance, skills development and sustainability.

The theme, “Grain of Change,” reflects the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. Across Africa and the Middle East, the milling industry must strengthen food security, protect product safety, improve efficiency, invest in people and build more resilient value chains.

For our members and the broader industry, this conference offers an opportunity to benchmark against global best practice, explore new technologies, access technical expertise and build valuable partnerships. It also allows us to showcase South Africa’s milling capability, infrastructure and important role in regional grain processing and food security.

Milling remains one of the most essential links in the food value chain. Improvements in extraction, energy use, automation, maintenance, food safety, training and procurement all contribute to a more reliable and affordable supply of staple foods.

Cape Town provides a fitting setting for this gathering, and we are proud to welcome delegates, exhibitors and sponsors from across Africa, the Middle East and the wider international milling community.

I encourage all stakeholders to participate actively, share knowledge, ask questions and build lasting partnerships. The future of milling will be shaped by those willing to adapt, collaborate and lead through change.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa and to working together under the banner of “Grain of Change” to build a stronger and more future-focused milling industry.

Warm regards,