Malawi and Zambia have entered into a landmark government-to-government agreement for the supply of 200,000 metric tons of maize aimed at mitigating the ongoing food shortages affecting millions of Malawians.
The signing ceremony, held in Lilongwe, was graced by Malawi’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Roza Fatch Mbilizi, and Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, alongside officials from Malawi’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) and Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency (FRA).
Speaking at the event, Minister Mbilizi highlighted that Malawi is experiencing severe food insecurity following two consecutive poor farming seasons, leaving an estimated four million people vulnerable between October and March.
“Addressing food insecurity is a key priority of President Mutharika’s administration, which remains committed to ensuring that every Malawian has access to affordable and adequate food,” she said.
Minister Mbilizi further explained that the maize will be sourced within a 100-kilometre radius of Chipata, Zambia, to guarantee timely delivery and logistical efficiency.
On his part, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri reaffirmed Zambia’s solidarity with Malawi, stating that his government is proud to support Malawi’s humanitarian efforts.
“No one should die of hunger in Malawi when Chipata, just over 100 kilometres from Lilongwe, has an abundance of maize,” said Phiri.
He assured that Zambia will supply only high-quality maize, with a commitment to replace any substandard grain, and pledged his ministry’s full support to ensure the consignment is delivered on time.