Tanzania to launch nationwide maize, rice stock assessment

TANZANIA – The Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) of Tanzania has announced a comprehensive nationwide assessment of maize and rice stocks, set to commence on May 1, 2025.

This initiative aims to evaluate the availability, distribution, and export potential of these crucial crops, ensuring informed decision-making for the 2024/2025 agricultural season and food security planning through 2026.​

Irene Mlola, COPRA Director-General, emphasised the importance of this exercise during a recent media briefing, stating that current export licenses for maize and rice will remain valid until April 30, 2025.

Post-assessment, new export permits will be issued based on the findings to align with the country’s food security strategies.​

“This evaluation is essential as it will provide us with the data necessary to understand the national food situation, allowing for better planning when it comes to local distribution and exportation,” Mlola noted.

She urged traders to utilize existing permits before their expiration to avoid disruptions.​

The assessment will cover various regions, analyzing current stock levels, production estimates, and projected export quantities. It will also consider food availability forecasts for 2026, ensuring that the government has accurate data to formulate appropriate trade and distribution strategies.​

Tanzania’s proactive approach through COPRA’s assessment seeks to ensure that export activities do not compromise domestic food security, a move that comes amid regional efforts to stabilise food prices and protect local farmers.

According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the country has recorded a slight increase in its headline inflation rate, driven primarily by rising prices for key staple foods.

The NBS data indicated that the inflation rate climbed to 3.2 percent in February 2025, up from 3.1 percent in January due to inflationary pressures in the country, particularly in essential commodities.

Rice prices rose by 3.8 percent, finger millet grains surged by 10.1 percent, maize grains increased by 1.8 percent, sorghum flour by 4.0 percent, maize flour by 2.6 percent, and fresh beef by 0.8 percent.

The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a 0.6 percent increase between January and February, underlining the rising cost of living.

According to NBS, the rise in food prices has been partly attributed to increased demand ahead of Ramadan, during which food consumption patterns shift due to daily fasting, evening feasts, and food donations to the underprivileged.

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