Zambia to Push Rice Export with Southeast Asia in Sight

Zambia is set to significantly expand its rice farming capacity as the government moves to boost exports to international markets, with Southeast Asia identified as a key target region.

Ministry of Agriculture Director Dr. Chizumba Shepande made the announcement during a visit to the 200-hectare Sefula rice irrigation scheme in Mongu, Western Province. He noted the stark gap between Zambia's current 68,000 hectares under rice cultivation and Vietnam's 3.9 million hectares, signalling ambition to close that distance over time.

A visiting Vietnamese delegation expressed strong support for the initiative. Delegation leader Cao Duc Phat praised the quality of rice growth observed in the region and confirmed that Vietnam would provide technical assistance to Zambian farmers. Both sides indicated the partnership would deepen bilateral ties between the two countries.