Zambia and Malawi are moving quickly to implement a presidential agreement that will see 200,000 metric tons of maize exported to Malawi. The initiative highlights deepening cooperation between the two nations on food security and regional resilience.
Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane met his Malawian counterpart, Joseph Mwanamveka, on the sidelines of the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track arrangements through relevant sector structures. The export plan follows a bilateral understanding reached between President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and President Professor Arthur Mutharika of Malawi during their recent summit.
Dr. Musokotwane shared Zambia’s experience in confronting one of its worst droughts in recent memory during the 2023–2024 farming season. “Through a Cabinet-led, coordinated approach, our goal was to ensure that no Zambian died of hunger,” he said. The government realigned the national budget, secured partner support, expanded social cash transfers, launched a ‘Cash for Work’ program for vulnerable citizens, and implemented targeted relief measures to protect livelihoods.
The Minister noted that Zambia’s national action plan, supported by a World Bank grant of over US $200 million and additional partner funding, provided food and cash assistance to 1.6 million households in drought-affected districts. The response was coordinated through the Drought Disaster and Emergency Response Team in partnership with the UN, World Bank, and civil society organizations.
Both Ministers agreed to convene an emergency inter-governmental meeting in Chipata, Zambia, in the coming days to finalize contractual, logistical, and policy arrangements for the maize exports.
Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that Zambia’s recovery and support to Malawi reflect a broader commitment to regional solidarity, food security, and resilience building. “When our neighbors face difficulty, we stand together,” he said. “Our experience reminds us that unity, preparedness, and compassion are as vital as rainfall itself.”
Hon. Mwanamveka expressed Malawi’s interest in continued engagement with Zambia on agricultural development, particularly learning from Zambia’s swift recovery from drought to achieve a bumper harvest.
The maize export agreement marks a significant step in strengthening food security in Southern Africa and demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in responding to climate-related challenges.