Zambia on Thursday flagged off its first consignment of maize for export to neighbouring Malawi under a new government-to-government agreement, a move authorities say will bolster bilateral ties and regional food security.
The launch ceremony was held in Chipata, in Zambia’s Eastern Province, a key maize-producing region that will serve as a major collection and dispatch hub for the programme.
Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said the shipment followed the successful conclusion of a bilateral maize supply agreement between the two countries.
Under the deal, Zambia is set to export a total of 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi, with most of the grain sourced from Eastern Province, he said.
Mtolo described the initiative as a reflection of close cooperation between Lusaka and Lilongwe, adding that it aligned with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of promoting regional solidarity and food security in southern Africa.
He sought to reassure Zambians that the exports would not compromise domestic food availability, stressing that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) continued to manage the country’s strategic grain reserves prudently.
“Zambia has sufficient maize stocks, and community maize sales have been opened across the country to ensure continued access at the local level,” Mtolo said.
The minister also addressed concerns from farmers over delayed payments, reaffirming the government’s commitment to settling all outstanding balances owed to suppliers who sold maize to the FRA. He said payments were expected to be completed by January 10, 2026.
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Mtolo further highlighted progress under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), noting the successful rollout of a fully electronic voucher system. According to the ministry, more than 1.01 million farmers nearly 99 percent of those registered have redeemed their inputs for the current planting season.
Speaking on behalf of Malawi, Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Minister Roza Mbilizi thanked Zambia for the support, describing the maize export as a clear sign of the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries.
She said the agreement demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding food security and building resilience against climate-related and economic shocks.
Both governments reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in agriculture, regional trade and food security, saying closer collaboration would deliver mutual benefits for the people of Zambia and Malawi.
