Zimbabwe tightens grain import rules as new levies back irrigation drive
The government plans new grain and oilseed import levies as it pushes local sourcing and expands irrigation projects ahead of possible El Niño conditions in the 2026/27 farming season.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is preparing new levies on imported grain and oilseed products as the government steps up efforts to support local farming, expand irrigation systems and cut reliance on food imports ahead of possible El Niño conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Under the proposed measures, maize imports would attract a levy of US$40 per metric tonne for 90 days. Soyabean imports would face a US$20 per metric tonne levy until August 31, 2026, while soya meal imports would carry a US$35 levy during the same period.
Soft wheat imports would attract a levy of US$89.25 per metric tonne for 30 days. Hard wheat imports would also face a US$89.25 levy whenever importers exceed a 30 percent import threshold under the policy framework.
The measures form part of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, a government policy that requires processors, millers and manufacturers to increase local sourcing of grain and oilseeds. Under the framework, companies must source at least 40 percent of raw materials locally by April 2026, with full local sourcing expected by 2028.
Government officials say the levies will help close the gap between import prices and local producer prices while also raising money for irrigation development through the Agricultural Revolving Fund.
The government reports that the levy system has already raised about US$5.7 million, with US$3.2 million invested in irrigation projects covering 850 hectares across 17 schemes nationwide.
Among the leading projects are Nyaitenga Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland East, which is 94 percent complete, and Dinhe Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo, now at 92 percent completion. Other schemes under development include Musarurwa, Nyamangara, Dotito, Chimhanda and Glen Sommerset.
Mutema Irrigation Scheme in Manicaland remains the largest project under the programme, covering 100 hectares and standing slightly above halfway completion.
Government projections show the irrigation schemes could produce about 10,200 metric tonnes of cereals annually across two farming cycles while generating around US$2.75 million in annual returns.
According to policy documents, the strategy aims to create a revolving fund system where money collected through import levies supports more irrigation projects and local production growth.
Authorities say irrigation expansion now sits at the centre of Zimbabwe’s climate planning after recent droughts sharply reduced maize and oilseed output and forced the country to spend nearly US$1 billion on grain and oilseed imports during the 2024 drought season.
Although better rainfall improved production in 2025, officials say Zimbabwe still faces risks from global commodity price swings and weather shocks.
The policy, however, continues to divide opinion within the private sector. Millers and food processors warn that strict local sourcing targets could raise production costs if local supplies remain too low.
Farmer unions have largely supported the proposed levies, saying the measures could strengthen local markets, support producer prices and help fund irrigation systems seen as critical ahead of expected El Niño drought risks.
Agricultural Marketing Authority officials have also defended the levy model, describing it as a long term effort to rebuild domestic production systems affected by climate shocks, underinvestment and heavy dependence on imports.
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