Agricultural Expert Oliver Bulaya has called on the government to carefully deliberate and consult with relevant authorities to ensure sound decision-making regarding the proposed maize export deal to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On July 18, 2025, the government announced that it had received an export inquiry from the DRC for Zambian maize, but no agreement has been signed yet.
In an interview with the Lusaka Star, Dr. Bulaya said such engagements must not be based on assumptions or projections, especially when the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has yet to fulfill its maize procurement obligations with local farmers.
He cautioned that the country should avoid transitioning from a position of potential exportation to importation, stating that such a shift could be detrimental and undermine farmers and the agricultural economy as a whole.
However, Dr. Bulaya said Zambia is strategically positioned to engage in agribusiness within the region, which is essential for enhancing the agricultural sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Meanwhile, Economist Yusuf Dodia has warned that although the maize export deal has not been signed yet, it could potentially lead to a shortage of mealie meal in the country.
Mr. Dodia predicted that if maize is not supplied to local milling companies, the price of mealie meal could increase.
“The country should focus on exporting manufactured mealie meal rather than raw maize because it is a more efficient process,” he said.
Mr Dodia urged the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to conduct an analysis to ensure that food security will not be compromised.