The first consignment of maize from the total 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) procured by Malawi from Zambia has officially left the neighbouring country, with 103,000MT dispatched today.
The maize was released from Zambia’s National Food Reserve Agency depot in Chipata, marking a significant step in Malawi’s efforts to address the ongoing food shortage.
Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, Roza Mbilizi, witnessed the dispatch alongside her Zambian counterpart, Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri, underscoring the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking to The Truth Online, Minister Mbilizi confirmed that the remaining 97,000MT of maize will be delivered into Malawi before March next year.
She said the maize will play a critical role in supporting hunger-stricken Malawians, particularly vulnerable households affected by prolonged dry spells and the recent floods.
The minister emphasized that the timely arrival of the grain is essential in stabilizing food availability and cushioning communities facing severe food insecurity.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri said his country was compelled to assist Malawi due to the magnitude of the food crisis, noting that the number of food-insecure households in Malawi is significantly high.
In October this year, the Government of Malawi signed a K137 billion agreement to procure 200,000MT of maize from Zambia, a move aimed at supporting more than four million Malawians currently facing hunger.
