Zambia targets 10 million tonnes of maize annually
President Hichilema's Grow Zambia plan aims to boost food security and export earnings by 2031.
Zambia aims to produce 10 million tonnes of maize annually by 2031 as part of President Hakainde Hichilema's Grow Zambia initiative. This target, unveiled on September 1, 2026, aims to transform agriculture from poverty management to wealth creation. The plan includes seven other production targets for 2031, such as 10,000MW of power generation and a US$1 billion beef industry.
The increased maize production is intended to ensure food security for Zambia's growing population, which is now over 20 million people. With a target of 10 million tonnes, the country could maintain a strategic reserve of over 3 million tonnes after domestic consumption and feed requirements. This would prevent the price spikes and costly imports experienced during the 2024 drought.
Beyond domestic needs, Zambia plans to export 3-4 million tonnes of maize annually, potentially earning US$840 million to US$1.12 billion. This export strategy, managed under the new Ministry of Trade and Exports, targets markets in Eastern Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DRC. The initiative also emphasizes value addition and downstream processing to create jobs and industrial capacity.
Why it mattersZambians will have greater food security and potentially lower mealie meal prices due to increased domestic maize production and strategic reserves.