Zambia faces economic opportunities and food security risks amid record maize harvest

Zambia is experiencing a record maize harvest, with production estimated at approximately 5.1 million tonnes. While this bumper crop offers a strategic economic opportunity to generate foreign exchange through regional trade and stimulate agro-industrialization, experts warn that the surplus may not fully mitigate long-term food security risks.

There are concerns that the benefits of the high harvest could be undermined by anticipated El Niño conditions. Drought-prone areas in western and southern Zambia remain vulnerable, with the potential for climate shocks to impact water supplies, livestock, electricity generation, and commodity prices. Analysts suggest that the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) should balance maintaining strategic grain reserves with allowing private sector participation in purchasing, storage, and processing to avoid fiscal pressure and market dominance.