The celebration included the graduation of 15 students from seven countries. Since its founding in 2015, the AMS has trained over 1,600 millers from more than 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and India.

CHF 5 Million Investment in a Greenfield Project

Established in 2015 in response to a critical industry demand for skilled professionals, the AMS was Bühler’s first dedicated training mill in Africa. Chosen for its strategic location and accessibility, the Nairobi center was a greenfield project resulting from an investment of approximately CHF 5 million. The facility combines state-of-the-art technology, practical and theoretical education, and a highly skilled teaching team.

The school operates on a rigorous dual-education model, inspired by the Swiss system: students spend five months in their home country followed by one month at the school, completing four modules over two years. This hands-on approach ensures students can immediately apply their knowledge in their workplaces.

"When we started the African Milling School, our focus was on education that truly makes a difference: training millers to optimize productivity and maximize yield,” says Martin Schlauri, the first Head of the African Milling School. “Skilled operators are the backbone of efficient plants, and through proper education, they can deliver tangible results for their companies and the communities they serve.”

Evolving Curriculum: From Grain to Plant-Based Protein

Over the past decade, the AMS has rapidly evolved its offerings to meet the shifting demands of the food and feed industries. Today, the curriculum extends beyond traditional grain milling to include feed milling, coffee processing, grain handling, baking technology, and plant-based proteins. This adaptability is crucial in an environment challenged by climate change and supply chain instability.

Alumni and Industry Leaders Credit Measurable Impact

The effectiveness of the AMS model is widely attested to by its partners. Sulaiman Al Saqri, an alumnus from Oman Flour Mills (2024 graduate), highlighted the integration of learning: “The Apprentice Miller Program really opened my eyes to the full picture of the flour milling industry... What I liked most was how theory and practice came together – you don’t just learn concepts; you see them in action.”

Sharuq Sokwalla, Managing Director of Grain Industries Limited in Kenya, sends a group of employees to the AMS annually, calling it "an engine for industry excellence." He notes that his teams return with “stronger technical skills [and] the confidence to optimize efficiency, maintain equipment proactively, and deliver consistent quality.”

This impact translates directly to business results. Priscilla Bakalian, who helped develop the school, stated: “When students apply their knowledge back in their mills – improving yields or reducing energy consumption – the ripple effect and potential savings are significant.”

A Global Network Investing in the Future

The AMS is a vital component of Bühler's global learning ecosystem, which includes the Milling Academy in Uzwil, Switzerland, and the Grain Processing Innovation Center in Kano, Nigeria. Together, these centers are preparing the next generation of experts to master advanced milling technology, digital solutions, and AI-driven processes.

"The African Milling School is more than an educational institution – it is a catalyst for transformation," states Dario Grossmann, Head of Bühler’s Milling Academy. "Training is an investment, not a cost. Every AMS graduate returns to their company ready to make a measurable impact on production, efficiency, and society. That is the true measure of success – and the reason we continue to strengthen this education ecosystem.”