The Ministry of Agriculture Zambia has announced the lifting of the country’s maize and mealie meal export ban, in a move aimed at improving market access and increasing incomes for local farmers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Principal Public Relations Officer Balewa Zyuulu said the decision reflects government efforts to support agricultural growth while ensuring fair participation in both regional and international markets.
The removal of export restrictions is expected to unlock new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses by allowing them to access higher-value markets beyond Zambia’s borders. It also signals a shift toward a more market-driven approach in managing the country’s staple crop sector.
Authorities say the policy change will stimulate economic activity across the agriculture value chain, particularly in agro-processing, where increased demand for maize products such as mealie meal could drive production and investment.
The government added that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, enhance trade, and ensure that producers benefit more directly from their output.
Zambia remains one of Southern Africa’s key maize producers, and the policy adjustment is expected to have ripple effects across regional food markets as cross-border trade resumes.