Govt disputes FRA claims of Congo maize export
Energy Minister, Peter Kapala
The Ministry of Agriculture has dismissed claims by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) that Zambia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to export one million tonnes of maize and mealie meal.
Contrary to statements made by FRA Board Chairperson Suresh Desai on Thursday, 17th July 2025, Acting Minister of Agriculture, Minister Peter Kapala has clarified that no such agreement has been signed.
He has emphasized that while Zambia has received several export enquiries from the DRC and other neighbouring countries, discussions remain at the negotiation stage.
Mr. Kapala has explained that Zambia has recorded a bumper maize harvest, estimated at a record 3,655,646 metric tonnes.
With an additional carryover stock of 384,999 metric tonnes, the total available maize stands at 4,040,645 metric tonnes.
He noted that the country’s projected national maize requirement, covering human consumption, industrial use, and strategic reserves, is 3,539,024 metric tonnes, leaving a surplus of 501,621 metric tonnes.
However, he has emphasized that the surplus does not automatically translate into immediate exports.
He says the government’s priority remains securing national food security by first meeting the Food Reserve Agency’s target for strategic reserves.