Zambia has secured a major maize export deal with Kenya, with Government signing an agreement with Baita Trading Limited for the export of 540,000 metric tonnes of Grade A, white, non-GMO maize. The deal follows the country’s impressive harvest of more than 5.1 million metric tonnes.

Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge said the bumper harvest presents Zambia with an opportunity to generate much-needed foreign exchange, support local farmers and contribute to sustained economic growth.

FRA Board Chairperson Suresh Desai said the agreement demonstrates growing confidence in the quality of Zambian maize while supporting Government’s ambition to increase national maize production to 10 million metric tonnes annually.

Baita Trading Limited Director Martin Kinoti welcomed the agreement, saying the deal will contribute to regional food security while further strengthening economic and bilateral relations between Zambia and Kenya. The maize will be exported in five tranches, with the price to be determined according to prevailing market conditions.