Zambia Projects Over 500,000 Metric Tonnes Maize Surplus in 2024/2025 Season
Zambia is poised to record a maize surplus of over 500,000 metric tonnes in the 2024/2025 agricultural season, according to newly released data from the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Acting Statistician General Mrs. Sheila S. Mudenda, during the dissemination of the Crop Forecasting Survey results, revealed that the total maize supply is projected at 4,040,645 metric tonnes.
This includes 384,999 metric tonnes of carry-over stock as of 1st May 2025 and a projected production of 3,655,646 metric tonnes. With the national maize requirement standing at 3,539,024 metric tonnes, this results in an anticipated surplus of 501,621 metric tonnes.
“This marks a significant increase in maize output compared to the 1,511,143 metric tonnes recorded in the previous 2023/2024 season,” said Mrs. Mudenda.
Central Province leads the way with a projected production of 680,085 metric tonnes, followed by Eastern Province at 535,743.18 metric tonnes. Western Province is expected to produce the least, with 93,965.77 metric tonnes.
The bulk of this output—93 percent—comes from small- and medium-scale farmers, while large-scale farmers contribute just 7 percent.
Acting Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Sylvia Masebo, who served as Guest of Honour, emphasized that the crop forecasts were derived using “scientifically sound and internationally recognized methodology.”
She emphasized the importance of the annual Crop Forecasting Survey in informing national food and nutrition security planning.
Hon. Masebo described the projected maize surplus as a remarkable achievement, especially in light of the severe drought and climate-related challenges experienced in recent seasons.
The National Food Balance Sheet for the 2025/2026 Agricultural Marketing Season confirms that Zambia has produced enough maize to meet both domestic consumption and industrial needs, reinforcing the country’s food security outlook.
