GTAZ Projects 600,000 MT Maize Purchase This Season

The Grain Traders Association of Zambia (GTAZ) expects to buy around 600,000 metric tonnes of maize this season, according to association spokesperson Yotam Mkandawire. However, he warned that price volatility and surplus stocks across neighbouring countries are weighing on export prospects.

Zambia is forecast to record a bumper harvest of 4.9 million metric tonnes of maize, according to the latest crop forecast survey. Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Mkandawire said the country's maize is struggling to compete regionally despite the strong harvest, complicating export plans even after government removed all trade restrictions.

He explained that Zambian maize prices remain uncompetitive because most neighbouring countries also enjoyed good harvests this year, leaving them with ample supplies of their own.

"This year we are projecting to purchase around 600,000 metric tonnes of maize," Mkandawire said. "The government has continued with exporting maize, therefore we see an opportunity to increase our purchases. Currently we may not be able to export, but with time we should be able to. We may start exporting maybe as we head towards the end of the year."

He added that regional price volatility makes forward planning difficult, as most of Zambia's neighbours have harvested enough to meet their own needs. While government has lifted all export restrictions, Mkandawire stressed that pricing, particularly relative to neighbouring markets, remains the central obstacle.