Zambia exports over 500 thsd tons of corn

the 2025/2026 (July-June) season, above average and well above the 1.51 million tonnes that it had in the 2024/2025 lean season. The increase in production was helped by adequate rainfall and government support programmes for farmers. The move, announced by Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri, is aimed at increasing foreign exchange earnings, creating better market opportunities for local farmers and strengthening Zambia’s position as a reliable food supplier in the region. The move has also been welcomed by several of Zambia’s trading partners. The maize surplus is expected to find markets in deficit countries, particularly in southern Africa, where drought has affected harvests in several countries. Economists say that exporting the surplus could have a ripple effect on the economy as a whole. Increased foreign exchange earnings could help stabilize the local currency, support imports of essential commodities and ease external debt pressures. However, they warn that exports must be ...