PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia could soon face an unusual problem of producing more maize than it can consume and warned that without proper markets, farmers may suffer losses.
Speaking during the 2026 National Delivery Day at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday, President Hichilema said government’s push to increase agricultural production was beginning to pay off, with the country projected to harvest over four million metric tonnes of maize this year.
However, the President noted that while the country consumes around 2.7 to 3 million metric tonnes annually, the surplus could become a burden if not properly managed.
“So now, what do we do with the rest? If it sits at farm gates with farmers, that is a disaster,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State explained that farmers had responded positively to government policies and increased production, but warned that without structured markets, the success could turn into frustration.
The President said government must now shift focus from production to securing reliable markets both locally and internationally.
Hichilema also cautioned against abruptly closing export channels, noting that Zambia risks losing regional markets to competitors if it fails to maintain consistent supply.
“ [DR] Congo, South Africa took away our market now we are struggling to get it back because we shut it,” he said.
The President further urged Zambians to stop viewing foreign buyers, particularly from neighbouring countries like DR Congo, as smugglers, describing them instead as important customers who must be properly managed.
“I don’t want anyone calling Congolese, ‘smugglers’, those are our customers, let’s provide them with a proper channel of business,” he said.
He revealed that government was already engaging with some neighbouring countries that quietly need food supplies, in a bid to secure markets for the expected surplus.
Hichilema emphasised that while increasing production remains important, it must go hand in hand with market planning to ensure farmers benefit from their hard work.
Yesterday, the Presidential Delivery Unit convened National Delivery Day in Lusaka, bringing together government ministries and agencies to present progress across all presidential priority areas under the theme: Delivering for the People – From Commitments to Results.
The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) was established in March 2023 by President Hakainde Hichilema to accelerate the implementation of high-priority government projects and ensure better service delivery.
By George Musonda
Kalemba March 31, 2026
