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In a decade, bread has become a staple food in Guinea, and its price an indicator of social stability. When it rises, anger rises. While Guinea imports all the wheat it consumes, the sector is under pressure with the Russian war in Ukraine. Visit of the Grands Moulins d’Afrique, the country’s leading flour producer.
From our correspondent in Conakry,
The company well deserves the qualifier it has given itself. The site is huge. ” This silo is about 30 meters high “, describes Abdoul Karim Diallo, the deputy general manager of the Sonoco group, the parent company. And there are ten dominating the Sonfonia district. ” It is the largest mill in Guinea, one of the largest in Africa too. We have a production capacity of more than 1200 tons per day “, he specifies.
We put on a disposable cap and blouse, while a sweet smell of hot bread escapes from the next room where we are testing the flour. ” At this bakery, bread is produced to validate the qualityexplains Abdoul Karim Diallo. Today, our wheat comes from Germany. Every month, we import about 30,000 tons of wheat. »
A supply made difficult by importers from the Middle East
But to continue to operate the ultra-modern machines of the site, it is now necessary to pay the price. “ Today, there are many Ukrainian wheat importers who have turned to Germany. Our competitors for purchases are Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, worries the deputy director of Sonoco. They have a lot of money and since the states are buying, not private companies, they don’t pay attention to prices. »
And these heavyweights are capable of ordering astronomical quantities at once. The war in Ukraine has triggered a wheat battle that could have serious socio-economic consequences. ” A bread that costs around 5,000 francs (Editor’s note a little over 50 euro cents) can feed 4-5 people. A dish of rice will cost you more than 5,000 francs. »
► Read also: Wheat prices: the war in Ukraine will have an impact in Africa too
« Currently, we are selling at a loss »
In a few years, the baguette has become the food of the poor. ” We can’t change the price as we want, because it’s a political product, remarks Mamadou Saliou Diallo, CEO of the Sonoco group. We have decided not to increase our rates during Ramadan. We are currently selling at a loss. » A major effort made by the company. “ For Guineans and for the government “says the CEO.
If the wheat crisis continues, after Ramadan, a meeting will be organized with the government. ” Look, in less than a year, a ton of wheat has earned more than 200 dollars. The only solution is for the consumer to pay a little more, suggests Mamadou Saliou Diallo. A small increase in price will not pose a problem at the consumer level. »
To reduce their dependence on the markets, the Grands Moulins dream of producing wheat locally. They have launched discussions with their partners.
► To read also: Ukraine, the cereal risk