Only certified producers of fortified food items will be eligible to compete in government tenders under a new directive issued by the Ministry of Industry, which restricts public food procurement to nutrient-enriched products.

The ministry said the measure requires government institutions across the country to purchase exclusively food items fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers seeking to participate in the procurement system must present accreditation certificates confirming compliance with fortification standards during registration.

According to the ministry, public institutions account for about 70 percent of total food purchases nationwide, positioning the directive as a significant shift for the domestic food processing industry. Officials indicated that the move is expected to expand market access for manufacturers that have invested in fortification.

The products covered under the framework include edible oil, wheat flour and salt enriched with micronutrients.

Debebe Worku, Director of the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Centre at the ministry, told Ahadu Radio that eligibility for public tenders will be limited to industries formally recognised for producing fortified goods.

The ministry said the initiative is aligned with Ethiopia’s national food fortification programme and is intended to support enforcement of mandatory standards requiring selected food products to be enriched. In parallel, awareness efforts are under way to encourage institutions outside the formal public procurement system to prioritise fortified products in their purchases.

Food fortification is regarded by authorities as a strategic intervention aimed at improving dietary quality and addressing persistent micronutrient deficiencies among the population over the long term.