Zambia has successfully concluded its government-to-government agreement with Tanzania for the emergency procurement of 650,000 metric tonnes of maize, a critical initiative to mitigate the severe impact of last year’s El Niño-induced drought. The final consignment of 195,000 metric tonnes was dispatched yesterday from Sumbawanga, Western Tanzania, marking the completion of the significant cross-border agricultural trade deal.
A Zambian delegation, comprising senior officials from the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), Ministry of Agriculture, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), was on-site to witness the final shipment. This oversight underscores the strategic importance and meticulous coordination of the operation.
Justine Chuunka, FRA Executive Director, confirmed that the entire maize consignment procured under the emergency agreement has been fully accounted for and reconciled with Tanzania’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA). He expressed the Zambian government’s gratitude to NFRA for their efficient fulfillment of the substantial order.
“We are witnessing the final upliftment of the final government-to-government maize procurement,” Mr. Chuunka stated. “As you know, last year, the Zambian government declared drought, and this prompted emergency procurement of maize from Tanzania to prevent hunger.”
Amos Mumba, DMMU Director of Emergency Operations, indicated that the maize is anticipated to arrive in Zambia within the next two weeks. Upon arrival, it will be promptly distributed to the regions most affected by the drought, ensuring timely relief for vulnerable populations. While acknowledging initial logistical hurdles in transporting such a large volume, Mr. Mumba confirmed that all challenges were successfully resolved.
Peter Zulu, Director of Agribusiness and Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, lauded the collaborative efforts between FRA Zambia, NFRA Tanzania, and DMMU. He described the operation as a “successful execution of the government’s directive to cushion citizens from the harsh effects of last year’s drought,” highlighting the seamless coordination that facilitated the timely completion of the maize purchase agreement.
The El Niño weather patterns, which significantly disrupted rainfall across Zambia last year, severely impacted agricultural productivity, necessitating this large-scale import to safeguard national food security. This successful initiative demonstrates the efficacy of regional cooperation in addressing climate-induced challenges and ensuring the well-being of citizens.
