FRA TO EXPORT 540,000 METRIC TONNES OF MAIZE TO KENYA

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has signed a contract with Kenya's Baita Trading Company Limited for the export of 540,000 metric tonnes of White Grade A non-GMO maize, as Zambia's agricultural export earnings continue to rise.

Last year, the country recorded a significant increase in agricultural exports, reaching US$1.1 billion compared to US$967 million in 2024.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at Cabinet Office in Lusaka today, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Siazongo Siakalenge, challenged the business community and traders to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the surplus maize production by identifying export markets and contributing to economic growth in line with the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr. Siakalenge observed that following the unprecedented increase in maize production, the country has sufficient maize stocks, resulting in stable mealie meal prices, with the surplus earmarked for export markets.

He revealed that Government has secured several export opportunities following engagements with a number of countries within the region.

Mr. Siakalenge further noted that maize exports will contribute to increased foreign exchange earnings, which will help stabilize the Kwacha.

The 540,000-metric-tonne maize export contract will be executed in six batches, with 100,000 metric tonnes being shipped every three months, while the final batch will comprise 40,000 metric tonnes.

Under the Grow Zambia Agenda, Government is targeting annual maize production of 10 million metric tonnes to supply both local and international markets. During the last farming season, the country produced 5.1 million metric tonnes of maize.

President Hakainde Hichilema has set his sight on tripling Zambia's economy during his second term in office.