Zambia plans to import 650,000 metric tons of white maize from Tanzania after drought slashed production by more than 50%, Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said on Wednesday.
Zambia’s maize production for the 2023/2024 crop season is projected to fall to 1.5 million tons from 3.2 million tons the previous season, according to a crop forecasting survey.
“The government has reached an initial agreement with the Tanzanian government to import 650,000 tons of white maize,” Mweetwa said in a statement announcing cabinet decisions.
Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri informed Parliament on Tuesday that the country suspended maize exports due to a deficit of 2.1 million tons and would import the staple grain.
