Hichilema Hails FRA's Prompt Maize Payments as a First for Zambia

As the nation marks Farmers Day today, President Hakainde Hichilema has praised the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for paying farmers promptly for their maize deliveries, calling it an achievement never before seen in the country's history.

Speaking at a UPND campaign rally in Katete on Saturday, the President said the shift to digital payments had ended the long bank queues farmers once endured after delivering their crop. "I instructed FRA that this year I did not want my farmers to queue at the bank. You weigh your maize and get paid within two days through mobile money," he said.

He revealed that farmers who delivered on the opening day of the 2026 marketing season had already been paid. "For the first time in the history of Zambia, those who delivered maize on the 29th of July have already been paid through mobile money. That's how we show our love to our fellow farmers."

The FRA confirmed it had paid out more than K3.2 million within 24 hours of buying 467.35 tonnes on day one, across all 1,750 depots. It is buying maize at K347 per 50kg bag, targeting 500,000 tonnes this season.

The President also pledged to expand FISP so every farmer receives their own inputs, and promised a district hospital, better roads and network coverage for Katete. He urged residents to turn out on 13 August and renew the UPND's mandate.