Government in Talks with China Over Three Million Tonne Soybean Deal

China has expressed interest in purchasing up to three million metric tonnes of soybeans.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu confirmed that discussions are under way to determine the specific soybean varieties and quality standards required by the Chinese market, and how local producers can meet the demand.

Government has set a national target of producing three million metric tonnes of soybeans annually by 2031, alongside ten million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes of wheat.

Mr Haamaundu was clear that the opportunity is not reserved for government institutions. Private sector players and ordinary farmers are expected to participate, with government's own involvement in production aimed at gaining first-hand understanding of challenges on the ground — including input costs, irrigation requirements and productivity levels — to inform better policy decisions.

The announcement comes as the nation records strong agricultural momentum more broadly. The country is projecting a record maize harvest of nearly five million metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 season, up from 3.9 million tonnes the previous year.