Government to Buy Maize from Zambia and Local Farmers

By Suleman Chitera

The World Bank has approved a US$45 million relief package to help Malawi combat the ongoing food shortages that have hit several parts of the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Joseph Mwanamvekha, said part of the funds will be used to purchase maize from Zambia and to support other national food security measures.

“Government will buy maize from Chipata in Zambia at a cost of US$335 per metric tonne,” Mwanamvekha revealed, adding that the support comes at a critical time when many Malawians are facing food insecurity.

In addition to the World Bank support, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Chinese Government have each pledged US$3 million to help Malawi boost food availability.

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In a show of further goodwill, China has also written off a US$20 million debt that Malawi owed — a gesture Mwanamvekha said will help “stabilize the economy and ease fiscal pressure.”

The minister further noted that while part of the maize will be imported, government will also buy maize locally from Malawian farmers who have stocks to sell, ensuring that the intervention supports domestic producers as well.

The injection of funds and debt relief come as the country struggles with high food prices and low harvests caused by erratic rainfall and other climatic shocks.

Officials say the first consignments of maize from Zambia are expected to arrive in Malawi within the coming weeks.