Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 18th June, 2025.
Sumbawanga, Tanzania.
In a major stride towards bolstering food security, the Zambian government has wrapped up a key international maize procurement operation, marking the final phase of a bilateral deal with Tanzania aimed at mitigating the effects of the 2023/2024 drought.
A high-level Zambian delegation, comprising officials from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), traveled to Sumbawanga, Tanzania, to witness the final loading of maize destined for Zambia. The operation, executed under a government-to-government arrangement, successfully delivered 195,000 metric tonnes of maize into Zambia over a 10-month period starting August 2024.
This final shipment signals the closure of what government officials have termed a “well coordinated emergency response” to the worst drought Zambia has experienced in recent years. The imported maize has been stored at various FRA depots to help stabilize national food stocks.
FRA Acting Executive Director, Mr. Justine Chuunka, confirmed that all consignments had arrived in Zambia without loss or quality compromise. He lauded the cooperation with Tanzanian agencies and commended the FRA team, transporters, and other partners for their diligence.
“This initiative is a demonstration of how regional collaboration and swift logistical coordination can ensure food resilience in times of crisis,” Mr. Chuunka stated.
DMMU Director for Disaster Humanitarian Operations Management, Mr. Amos Mumba, praised the synergy among stakeholders, highlighting the effective partnership between Zambia’s FRA and Tanzania’s National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA).
“We have proven that collective regional action is key to overcoming food insecurity. This successful operation was the result of planning, commitment and cross-border coordination,” Mr. Mumba said.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Assistant Director for Agribusiness and Marketing, Mr. Peter Zulu, applauded the FRA and DMMU for their efficiency and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to respond proactively to national emergencies.
This maize import milestone underscores the government’s resolve, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, to protect livelihoods and maintain national food stability through forward thinking policies and international cooperation.
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The Agency.