Maize accounts for roughly 53% of Malawi’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning that fluctuations in its supply significantly impact inflation and the broader economy.
John Kapito, executive director of the Consumers Association of Malawi, warned that prices are likely to continue climbing as the country nears the lean season.
The shipment follows a commercial agreement finalized during Export Exchange 2023 in Austin, Texas, and further reinforced during the 2024-25 Corn Quality Rollout held in Istanbul
Kenya’s high reliance on maize, a staple that is highly susceptible to aflatoxins, has worsened the problem, with detection and surveillance mechanisms remaining only marginally effective
Currently, corn harvests are lining the roadsides of Liberia’s Nimba County, indicating a productive season. However, without proper post-harvest solutions, much of this bounty may go to waste or be sold at a lower value.