Zambia to export 1 million tonnes of maize to DRC in 2025/26
The planned exports to the DRC aim to respond to rising demand from its northern neighbour, which continues to grapple with maize supply
ZAMBIA – Zambia’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has announced plans to export one million tonnes of maize to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 2025/2026 financial year, aiming to bolster regional food trade while managing national surplus stocks.
The move is part of NFRA’s broader strategy to release up to 1.1 million tonnes of maize from the country’s strategic grain reserves. NFRA Executive Director Kelvin Hambwezya confirmed that the agency is working closely with stakeholders in the DRC to operationalize the agreement.
“The maize will mostly go to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we are working closely with our counterparts there to ensure the trade flow is efficient and beneficial to both sides,” said Hambwezya.
The planned exports to the DRC not only aim to stabilise Zambia’s domestic grain reserves but also respond to rising demand from its northern neighbour, which continues to grapple with maize supply challenges due to conflict, underdeveloped agricultural systems, and inadequate logistics networks.
The initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s broader economic vision of positioning Zambia as a regional agricultural hub and a net exporter of food commodities. The DRC remains a key trade partner, and this export deal is expected to deepen bilateral ties in food security and trade cooperation.
Trade experts have lauded the move as a strategic opportunity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which promotes intra-African trade and agricultural integration. The Zambia-DRC agreement could serve as a model for other countries seeking to balance surplus management with regional food aid and market expansion.
“This export initiative is not only about balancing our maize stocks, it’s also about regional food diplomacy. It’s an example of how surplus can translate into strategic trade, supporting neighbours while boosting our farmers’ incomes,”
The maize will be transported via road and rail through border crossings such as Kasumbalesa, a critical logistics hub for cross-border trade between the two countries. However, stakeholders have cautioned that infrastructure bottlenecks and trade facilitation measures must be addressed to ensure smooth execution of the large-scale shipments.
If successful, the initiative is expected to boost Zambia’s grain export earnings, provide critical food relief to the DRC, and stimulate investments in cross-border logistics and agribusiness partnerships. It also offers lessons for regional food trade resilience, particularly in light of increasing climate variability and market disruptions.
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