Behind every successful milling operation is a powerful story — and Kamunu Milling is no exception. In Namibia’s Zambezi Region, where resilience is often the difference between survival and success, Kamunu Milling has risen to become a symbol of grit, growth, and entrepreneurial excellence. Founded by Shiraz Bhamjee in Katima Mulilo, the company has grown from a modest one-ton-per-day operation into a regional leader with 80% market share in maize meal.
Behind this growth is a compelling mix of visionary leadership, strategic decisions, and a 25-year partnership with Roff Milling. This is not just a story of business success—it’s a story of overcoming doubt, delivering quality, and feeding a nation.
From fishing trips to feeding a nation
Shiraz’s journey didn’t begin on the milling floor. During apartheid-era South Africa, he began working at the age of 10, earning just $0.50 a day to help feed his family.
“I started working for an aunty selling tomatoes and onions at a market at the age of ten… My job was to put it inside a packet... For how much? US$0.50 a day. And that US$0.50 was to buy bread and to feed my family, not to buy sweets.”
Later, while visiting Namibia for leisure, he noticed local supply gaps. Shiraz started transporting essential goods into Katima Mulilo—laying the foundation for a much larger vision: local food production through maize milling.
Looking to turn a local need into a business?👉 Visit our resource page on starting a successful maize milling business.
Defying the odds: “You won’t make it…”
When Shiraz first shared his idea of starting a maize mill, many industry players dismissed it. “A lot of people said, ‘No, you won't make it… You've got these major milling companies here, you won’t make it.’ I said, we'll try. And today I've got 80% of the market share.”
He launched Kamunu Milling with a single Roff SP-1 Maize Mill, producing just one ton per day. But the results spoke for themselves.
Scaling with quality and purpose
From the beginning, Shiraz focused on three things:
- High-quality maize meal with full nutritional value
- Competitive pricing that respected the community’s buying power
- Understanding local needs, including the demand for super maize meal
“The value of the maize core is still in the maize meal that we supply. People feel satisfied when they eat the maize meal that we eat. The price was right, the quality was right. Product was right.”
Soon, demand surged.
From 1 to 50 tons per day: Today, Kamunu Milling operates 24/7 with am upgraded SP-1 and produces 50 tons of maize meal daily. But Shiraz didn’t stop there. To continue scaling and prepare for even greater output, he invested in the robust Roff R-70 Maize Mill — a significant step that will add 80 and 100 tons per day to Kamunu Milling’s production capacity.
“I can’t keep up with my existing plant. If I had another three plants like this one, I still won’t keep up. That’s the demand of my maize meal at the moment. We have to turn people away.”
Why Kamunu chose Roff: Equipment that grows with you
For over 25 years, Roff Milling has been Kamunu’s trusted equipment and service provider—playing a central role in their growth journey. Says Shiraz: “I attribute it to the type of machines we use, the type of equipment we got, the service we get from our service provider... I always believe I can only run how far and how fast if my supplier will allow me to run. And that’s what Roff has done. They've always allowed us to run as fast as we can.”
From the SP-1 to the high-capacity R-70 mill, Roff’s solutions have supported Kamunu’s scale-up while ensuring reliable performance and local support.
“Did I make the right decision 25 years ago? I don’t look back. And I will always go with Roff.”
Explore Roff’s full range of maize milling solutions →
The meaning of Kamunu
The company name reflects more than a brand—it reflects a mission. "It’s a local word that means human.” That philosophy runs through the company: feeding people, uplifting local farmers, and building a better community through sustainable business.
Understanding your market
One of Kamunu Milling’s smartest decisions was aligning product output with local taste preferences. In Namibia, super maize meal is the standard — and the Roff SP-1 delivers just that. By ensuring the right texture and consistency, Shiraz met customer expectations and built a loyal customer base. 
Learn more about different maize meal types across Africa.
Additionally, the choice to run operations 24 hours a day ensured consistent supply — another key differentiator in a market that values availability and reliability.
Lessons for aspiring millers
Shiraz Bhamjee’s journey is an inspiration to any entrepreneur looking to enter the milling industry. Here’s what you can learn:
- Start smart – The SP-1 is a perfect platform for entry and expansion.
- Invest in the right tools – Your choice of mill determines quality, yield and growth.
- Focus on your customer – Understand local taste, consistency, and availability.
- Scale strategically – The R-70 allows fast growth when demand increases.
- Don’t fear competition – Nimble decision-making and strong partnerships go a long way.
- Choose the right partner – Your supplier defines how far and fast you can grow.
Use our Help Me Choose wizard to find the right mill for your needs →
More than a business: A national asset
Kamunu Milling’s success is more than financial—it’s a story of nation-building:
- Ensuring food security for thousands of Namibian households
- Creating jobs and economic opportunity
- Strengthening local agriculture by sourcing maize from local farmers
Read more about the role of local milling in food security →
The power of partnerships
Kamunu Milling stands as a beacon of what’s possible with vision, resilience, and the right tools. From overcoming doubt to scaling production in response to real community needs, Shiraz Bhamjee’s story is a reminder that local entrepreneurship—backed by strategic partnerships—can transform economies and lives. By partnering with Roff, Shiraz gained more than just machinery — he gained a long-term ally in his maize milling business journey.
We’re proud to support entrepreneurs across Africa. If you’re ready to launch or expand your milling business, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Contact us today or explore our blog for more real-world success stories and expert advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kamunu Milling do?
They mill maize into super maize meal, a staple in the Namibian diet.
Where is it based?
Kamunu Milling is located in Katima Mulilo, in the Zambezi Region of Namibia.
How much do they produce?
The plant currently produces 50 tons of maize meal per day, with expansion underway to reach 80–100 tons to meet rising demand.
What equipment does Kamunu Milling use?
Kamunu began with a single Roff SP-1 Maize Mill and now operates multiple SP-1 units. To scale, they recently invested in a Roff R-70 Maize Mill to boost commercial capacity.
Why is their maize meal popular?
It retains more of the maize kernel’s nutritional value, offers the right texture for Namibian tastes, and is priced fairly—making it both satisfying and accessible.
What is ungerminated maize meal, and why does it matter?
Ungerminated maize meal retains the core of the maize kernel, including essential nutrients and fibre, offering superior nutritional value. However, the inclusion of natural oils also reduces shelf life compared to highly refined maize meal.
Who supplies their milling equipment?
Kamunu Milling has partnered with Roff Milling for over 25 years, relying on their robust, African-ready equipment and consistent technical support.
