In a world where knowledge is the backbone of progress, virtual training is becoming a transformative force. For PFS, that means delivering technical and industry-specific expertise across geographic, linguistic, and economic barriers, unlocking the vast potential in Africa’s food businesses. Two recent examples—the Rice Yield Calculation Webinar and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Workshops for African Apprentices—highlight the significant role of virtual training in advancing technical training and workforce development globally at scale.

Reaching the Field: Rice Yield Webinar Goes Global

A recent webinar on calculating rice yield brought together 236 participants from 17 countries, with live interpretation in both English and French. Delivered by volunteers Asif Abbas, Bühler’s Managing Director for Asia Vietnam, and Dr. Griffiths Atungulu, Director of the University of Arkansas’ Rice Processing Program, the session provided valuable insights into optimizing rice production—a vital process needed for rice millers to improve their operations and product.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees noted the clarity of the presentation, practical approach, and its immediate relevance to their daily work. The two-hour training offered essential tools that can directly impact operational outcomes.

Creating Safer Workplaces: OHS Training for African Apprentices

Just days before the rice webinar, PFS hosted our annual apprentice workshop with three virtual OHS training sessions, attended by 90 current and former apprentices across six African countries.

The content covered a wide range of safety topics, from hazard identification to internal safety inspections, stress management, and strengthening safety culture through employee engagement. The training was interactive, practical, and tailored to real-world workplace scenarios.

Participants praised the sessions for their relevance:

"The facilitator was engaging and used real-life examples we could relate to."
"The interactive format allowed us to learn from each other."
"This was a wake-up call on the importance of engagement for improving safety practices."

The apprentices also expressed intentions to train peers, improve communication about OHS practices, and adopt better planning, and commit to the use of PPE.

Why Virtual Training Works

Though PFS has been providing virtual technical and business assistance for over 15 years, the COVID-19 pandemic was when it’s use and power was really recognized by the wider world. Even post-pandemic, virtual learning continues to grow: a 2023 report by Global Market Insights projects that the e-learning market will exceed $1 trillion by 2032.

The benefits of virtual training are clear, with internet access, learners from remote or underserved areas can access expert-led sessions—often in their own language. The reach and scalability is huge, with one well-designed session able to reach hundreds, and potentially thousands, of participants. The cost-effectiveness is also real. Though PFS’ engagements are very ‘high touch’ there are many opportunities to provide more generalized training to larger groups of professional such as the two we just offered.

For regions where in-person, expert-led training is logistically or financially challenging, virtual learning opens doors that were previously closed.

Looking Ahead

As these examples show, virtual training is not just a temporary solution—it’s a long-term strategy for closing global knowledge gaps and PFS has plans to use this tool more and more. The fact that we have so many highly-speciallzied, industry-leading experts in our pool of volunteers is a huge advantage to all of our clients, and the African food processing industry in general. For example, because we have just started our work with rice processers in West Africa we had only directly invited 60 people to the training. However, word of mouth spread and the opportunity was also shared on Linkedin. We had nearly 300 registrations, and for those that weren’t able to attend the video and course materials are still available to them. It shows that there is significant demand and the opportunity to access timely, relevant, and practical training has the power to drive real-world impact.

Thanks our dedicated volunteers and eager learners, we are seeing that transformation unfold—one webinar, one workshop, one food processor at a time.

Founded in 2014, Amel Susan is a Nigerian food company specializing in breakfast cereals, cocoa beverages, and baking products. As a valued PFS client since 2018, they have actively leveraged PFS services to enhance their operations.

One of their recent requests was for advice on procuring automated packaging lines for their icing sugar products. Having expanded their factory, Amel Susan needed expert guidance on selecting packaging lines that fit their new space. Though their primary request was for supplier recommendations, they also sought solutions for dust control, vibration mitigation, process flow optimization, and maximizing the efficiency of their grinding machines.

To support this project, PFS matched Amel Susan with Iluobe Osazemhen, a Bühler automation engineer. Iluobe brings extensive expertise, with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Nigeria, a master’s in automation and control engineering from Scotland, and an advanced diploma in industrial automation from Canada. After working with Bühler in Nigeria, he now serves as a customer service automation engineer in Canada, providing technical support to Bühler’s North American clients.

“I have gained diverse experience in problem-solving, workplace culture, and technical skills from the various countries I have lived in. Volunteering with PFS allows me to apply these skills to processors in need, aligning with PFS’ vision,” shared Iluobe.

Iluobe’s first step in the project was to understand Amel Susan’s current processes and long-term goals. By actively listening to and engaging with their engineering team, he helped streamline the selection process, ensuring the chosen solution aligned with their needs. Several factors were carefully considered throughout the process. This included the client’s budget; the equipment’s warranty; availability and cost of spare parts; technical support and maintenance feasibility; as well as scalability of the equipment and future upgrades. Through vendor research and local site visits by the Amel Susan team, they successfully identified and selected a packaging solution that met their needs. “With a ‘Kaizen’ (a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement) mindset, I always strive to leave systems better than I found them," said Iluobe. "This project demonstrated how process changes can significantly boost productivity and seeing the client’s satisfaction at the end—that feeling is priceless.”

Last August, we announced that Diane Hoffman, creative manager at the J.M Smucker Co., had won PFS’ Trip to Africa campaign based on her contributions as a volunteer and being an active recruiter at her company. We’re excited to share highlights from Diane’s visit to Kenya last month!  

During her trip she visited several PFS clients, including the dairy companies Caritas Dairy and Wimssy Dairy; honey and nut processor Bee-Care Apiaries International and macadamia nut processor, Exotic EPZ Limited. She toured their various facilities, met with some staff and observed their production and packaging processes. She also visited a local design studio, Pipo Brands Design Studio, that PFS collaborates with. With her design background and experience, she was also able to discuss challenges and opportunities in package design with the clients during the visits. 

“Meeting the clients was incredibly meaningful, as it allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of their operations and impact. I developed a deeper appreciation for their contributions to local farmers and communities, as well as the various ways PFS is empowering them to succeed in areas beyond my discipline,” Diane said. 

One key observation she made was the difference in scale and technology between Kenya’s food industry and the U.S. While U.S. facilities tend to be larger and more automated, many Kenyan businesses rely on labor-intensive, traditional methods. She was also impressed by the broader impact of these businesses, from job creation to environmental sustainability. “I was pleasantly surprised to see other aspects of the food process being addressed at the facilities, such as a tailor sewing beekeeper suits and employees crafting beehives at Bee-Care, rather than outsourcing these tasks or handling them at separate facilities,” she shared. Another key takeaway was the power of individual volunteering. Even without deep expertise in certain fields, Diane saw firsthand how volunteers' contributions can make a meaningful difference.  

It wasn’t all just work though! She spent time with the PFS team in Kenya, went on a tour of a coffee farm and visited the Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Manor. “Thank you PFS for this incredible opportunity. The experience has given me countless memories and invaluable insights that will greatly enhance my future volunteer work,” Diane said. 

We are glad Diane had a wonderful experience and are grateful to volunteers like her who continue to make a difference to our clients!