Tanzania achieves over 11MT of maize in 2024/25, becomes Africa’s third-largest producer

TANZANIA – Tanzania has recorded its highest-ever maize production, reaching 11.7 million tonnes, a milestone that positioned the country as the third-largest maize producer on the African continent, according to Hussein Bashe, the Minister for Agriculture.

The announcement was made during a ceremony in Dodoma.  Bashe hailed the increased maize production as a significant step forward for Tanzania’s agricultural sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the farming environment to sustain this progress.

Minister Bashe revealed that the government has set an ambitious target to produce 15 million tonnes of maize by the 2025/2026 agricultural season. This goal includes increasing yields to 30 sacks per acre, which is expected to boost farmers’ incomes and expand maize cultivation nationwide.

To support this objective, the government will continue its fertilizer subsidy program for maize farmers. Bashe urged farmers to register through the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) to benefit from the initiative.

He also highlighted the success of the subsidy program, noting that fertilizer usage has more than doubled since its introduction. Previously, the country consumed 360,000 tonnes of fertilizer annually, but this figure has now risen to 840,000 tonnes.

The government aims to further increase subsidized fertilizer usage to one million tonnes by the 2025/2026 season. Bashe emphasized that this strategy is part of a broader plan to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

In addition to maize, the government is focusing on increasing production of other crops, including sunflower.

“The government is planning to increase maize production as well as other crops, which is why we have put in place a strategy to increase the use of subsidized fertilizers for farmers,” Bashe stated.

Bashe announced that the National Food Security Agency (NFRA) will serve as the primary buyer of maize, ensuring stable markets for farmers.

Tanzania’s record maize production has not only bolstered domestic food security but also created opportunities for regional trade.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Tanzania’s total cereal production, including maize, is projected to reach a historic 13.9 million tonnes—a 22% increase from the previous year.

This surplus has enabled Tanzania to export maize to neighboring countries facing production challenges, such as Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.

Despite a 16% rise in maize prices between June and November 2024 due to strong export demand, prices remain stable within Tanzania, ensuring affordability for local consumers.

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