Natalie Nyathi
Zimbabwe has decided to ease restrictions on maize imports, a move that comes just two months after a ban was put in place. This change is a response to the government’s revised projections for the 2024/2025 harvest season, which are now lower than expected.
Earlier in the year, the government anticipated a maize harvest of 2.3 million tonnes, believing this would meet the country’s needs. However, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency has since downgraded this estimate to 1.8 million tonnes. This reduction has led authorities to allow approved contractors to import grain “in instances of need.”
The initial import ban, while aimed at supporting local farmers, had immediate consequences. Zimbabwe’s second-largest milling company had to shut down operations temporarily due to a lack of maize supplies. This situation highlighted the challenge of balancing local agriculture and ensuring enough food for everyone.
Several factors contributed to the lower harvest estimates. While improved weather conditions compared to the previous year helped increase production, the actual yield still fell short of the government’s earlier expectations. Analysts also note that the end of the Grain Marketing Board’s monopoly on grain purchases has disrupted the supply chain.
Currently, the Grain Marketing Board is limited to buying maize for national reserves, while millers can purchase directly from farmers. However, without the GMB’s established network of collection points and facing infrastructure issues, many millers find it cheaper to import maize from neighboring countries like South Africa. The stronger US dollar in Zimbabwe also makes imported grain more affordable than local production.
Despite easing import restrictions, the government is committed to supporting local farmers in the long run. New regulations will require processors to source a minimum of 40% of their grain locally by April 2026, increasing to 100% by April 2028. This gradual approach aims to boost domestic agricultural production while ensuring a stable food supply for the country.