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Zambia has signed a US$77 million maize export agreement with neighbouring Malawi, marking a major step toward strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing food security in Southern Africa.
The deal, involving the export of 200,000 metric tonnes of maize grain, will be managed by the National Food Reserve Agency (FRA) of Zambia.
The signing ceremony took place in Lilongwe, Malawi, following a recent telephone conversation between President Hakainde Hichilema and President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the agreement reflects both Heads of State’s shared commitment to address food insecurity and promote regional economic resilience.
Read more: Zambia, Malawi fast-track maize export deal to boost regional food security
The contract was signed by Justin Chuunka, Executive Director of Zambia’s FRA, and George Macheka, Executive Director of Malawi’s National Food Reserve Agency.
Witnessing the signing were Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Rueben Phiri, and Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Rosa Fatch Mbilizi.
Speaking at the event, Phiri reaffirmed Zambia’s readiness to actualise the presidential directive and support regional food and humanitarian needs.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to regional solidarity and development,” Phiri said.
He stated: “We are pleased to work closely with Malawi in addressing food security while promoting economic cooperation within the region.”
He added that the maize exports would be sourced mainly from Eastern Province, particularly Chipata, to reduce transport costs and stimulate local economic activity.
In her remarks, Mbilizi expressed gratitude to Zambia for its swift and positive response to Malawi’s request for maize support.
She said President Mutharika’s administration had prioritised hunger mitigation through irrigation farming, promotion of climate-resilient crops, and strategic bilateral partnerships.
Mbilizi described the maize import deal as “critical to stabilising Malawi’s national food supply” amid difficult climatic conditions and increasing demand for staple foods.
The Zambian government said the export agreement would strengthen regional food security while generating socio-economic benefits domestically by stimulating trade and creating market opportunities for farmers.
The Ministry of Agriculture assured the public that the FRA would execute the deal responsibly, without undermining Zambia’s domestic food security.
The Agency emphasised its continued commitment to safeguarding strategic reserves while fulfilling Zambia’s regional obligations “with efficiency and integrity.”
The agreement cements Zambia’s role as a reliable regional partner in promoting food stability, trade, and economic cooperation across Southern Africa.
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