Zambia ban on maize exports hurts import-reliant Democratic Republic of Congo

Published 2023년 4월 30일

Tridge summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a maize shortage due to Zambia's decision to limit maize exports, affecting the DRC's southern regions, which have relied on Lusaka and South Africa for maize supplies. The shortage has led to a significant increase in maize meal prices in the DRC. Vital Kamerhe, the DRC's deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, is urging Lusaka to reconsider its decision and is seeking a supply agreement to prevent future food shortages. The DRC, which has the largest arable land in Africa, is struggling with conflicts and armed groups, particularly in provinces rich in volcanic soils and virgin lands, which could potentially increase agricultural production. A delegation of ministers is planning to meet with farmers in the DRC to explore internal solutions to reduce import dependency.

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Original content

Workers spreading maize to dry. The decision by Zambian authorities to cut maize exports is hurting the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose southern regions consider the grain a staple food. PHOTO | FILE | NMG The decision by Zambian authorities to cut maize exports is hurting the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose southern regions consider the grain a staple food and have relied on Lusaka and South Africa, for years for the supply. Now authorities in the DR Congo want Lusaka to reconsider its decision, with officials in Kinshasa saying they want a deal in black and white to protect future trade in food to prevent shortages. Shortage of maize is hurting locals as they are now buying maize meal at more than three times the price two months ago. In early March, a 25kg bag of maize was sold for 25,000 Congolese francs ($11.21). This week, the same bag is going for 92,000 Congolese francs ($40.37). Vital Kamerhe, deputy prime minister in charge of the economy, said this week the ...

Source: Agrifocusafrica