Zambia and Malawi have finalized and signed a maize supply agreement valued at US$77 million.
Under this deal, Zambia will export 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi to ease the food crisis in that country.
The signing of the agreement which took place in Lilongwe, Malawi, follows a recent telephone conversation between President Hakainde Hichilema, and his counterpart Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Agriculture Principal Public Relations Officer Balewa Zyuulu, the contract was signed by Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Executive Director, Justin Chuunka, and George Macheka, Executive Director of the National Food Reserve Agency of Malawi.
And Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo, who witnessed the signing ceremony, reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to supporting humanitarian and food security efforts within the region.
“Zambia stands ready to actualize the directive given by the two Heads of State. The Government is pleased to collaborate with Malawi in the spirit of regional solidarity and development,” Mr. Mtolo said.
Mr. Mtolo stated that the bilateral engagement demonstrates the shared commitment of both Heads of States to strengthening regional cooperation in addressing pressing challenges such as food insecurity.
“The maize to be exported will be drawn from Eastern Province, specifically Chipata, to reduce transport distances and costs, while at the same time boosting economic activity in the country,” he emphasized.
He added that the operationalization of this export contract will stimulate economic activity and it solidifies Zambia’s position as a key player in promoting regional food security, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement within the Southern African region.
Speaking at the same event, Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Rosa Fatch Mbilizi, expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Zambia for responding promptly to Malawi’s request for strategic maize support.
“The new administration of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has prioritized the urgent need to address food insecurity through several key strategic interventions, including intensified irrigated winter cropping, the promotion of climate-resilient crops, and the establishment of critical bilateral partnerships,” she said.
Ms. Mbilizi underscored the significance of the maize procurement deal with Zambia in stabilizing national food supply in the face of adverse climatic conditions and growing demand for staple commodities in Malawi.
The Ministry of Agriculture assured the nation that the Food Reserve Agency will execute the contract without compromising Zambia’s domestic food security.
