Bayer opens US$34M hybrid maize seed facility in Zambia to boost food security
This state-of-the-art facility seeks to triple Bayer‘s maize seed production capacity in Zambia from 5,000 to 16,000 tonnes annually.
ZAMBIA – German agrochemical giant Bayer has inaugurated a €32 million (US$34.9 million) hybrid maize seed production facility on a 100-hectare site in Kabwe, Zambia to bolster the nation’s maize production and enhance food security across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This state-of-the-art facility, opened on March 19, 2025, seeks to triple Bayer’s maize seed production capacity in Zambia from 5,000 to 16,000 tonnes annually, significantly increasing the availability of high-quality hybrid seeds for local farmers.
The investment comes at a critical time, as Zambia’s maize production has been severely impacted by persistent droughts, exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon in 2024.
The 2023/2024 farming season saw maize yields plummet by approximately 50% to 1.5 million tonnes, the lowest in 16 years, leading to a national deficit of over 2 million tonnes. This shortfall has threatened the food security of millions, underscoring the urgent need for resilient agricultural solutions
Bayer’s new facility is poised to address these challenges by providing high-yielding, drought-tolerant hybrid maize seeds to approximately 6.4 million smallholder farmers in Zambia and other Sub-Saharan countries this year, with plans to reach up to 10 million farmers by 2030.
These seeds are expected to support the annual maize consumption of about 30 million people in the region. The enhanced seed production capacity is anticipated to increase maize yields and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
During the inauguration ceremony, Bill Anderson, Bayer CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating food insecurity.
“The new facility will help us improve food security, build the capacity of smallholder farmers, and support communities in many countries across the African continent. This is an excellent business opportunity for Bayer. We look forward to starting production,” said Bill.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who officiated the event, highlighted the facility’s role in strengthening the country’s food security and boosting economic growth.
Operating in Zambia since 2016 under the “Dekalb” brand, Bayer has been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices in the region. The company’s latest investment aligns with its growth strategy to double its Crop Science Division’s business in Africa by 2030, reflecting a long-term commitment to the continent’s agricultural development.
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