Zambia lifts maize export restrictions, signaling shift for feed and grain markets

ZAMBIA– Zambia has lifted restrictions on maize and mealie meal exports, allowing traders, millers, and processors to access regional markets, as the government seeks to improve farmer incomes and unlock value across the grain value chain following a strong harvest and national surplus.

The decision comes after Zambia recorded maize production of about 3.65 million metric tonnes in the 2024/25 season, up sharply from 1.5 million tonnes the previous year, with total supply exceeding national requirements by more than 500,000 tonnes. 

Maize dominates Zambia’s food and feed system. 

Zambia is a key maize producer in Southern Africa, and cross-border demand from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and Zimbabwe often drives informal and formal trade flows.

Annual consumption stands at roughly 2.8 million tonnes, covering human food, livestock feed, and industrial use. 

It provides more than half of the calorie intake and is processed mainly into mealie meal, the country’s staple food. 

Smallholders produce about 93% of the crop, meaning price access directly affects rural incomes and feed grain availability. 

Before the policy shift, export restrictions were frequently used to stabilise domestic prices and secure mealie meal supply. 

This limited formal trade flows despite strong regional demand, particularly from deficit markets such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For the feed industry, maize availability has historically been volatile. 

In drought years like 2023/24, production fell to 1.5 million tonnes, creating deficits exceeding 2 million tonnes and tightening supply for both feed millers and food processors. 

Market outlook

The removal of export controls is likely to reprice maize across the value chain. 

With a current surplus of over 500,000 tonnes, Zambia is expected to increase formal exports, improving price discovery and reducing informal cross-border trade. 

This creates a dual impact for the feed sector. 

On the one hand, higher export parity prices could raise domestic maize prices, increasing feed production costs for poultry and livestock producers. 

On the other hand, improved market access may incentivise higher production in future seasons, stabilising long-term supply. 

Maize allocation remains heavily skewed toward human consumption. 

Historical data show over 1.5 million tonnes are required annually for food, with additional volumes directed to industry, including feed and brewing. 

Mealie meal remains central to the economy. Per capita maize consumption exceeds 100 kg annually, with most of it milled into meal for household use, underscoring the political sensitivity of maize pricing. 

Agriculture contributes about 2.7% to GDP but employs the majority of the population, reinforcing maize’s role as both an economic and social commodity.

Exporters will be required to obtain permits through the Zambia Electronic Single Window platform, a digital trade facilitation system designed to streamline documentation and compliance. 

Zambia has previously imposed and lifted maize export restrictions in response to production levels and inflationary pressures. 

Such controls are common across the region, where governments often intervene to protect domestic food supplies amid climate variability and price volatility.

The extent of impact will depend on how export volumes evolve relative to domestic demand and how consistently the government maintains an open trade policy.

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