Zambia Draws Lessons from Vietnam’s US$70 Billion Farming Success
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector following high-level discussions in Lusaka with former Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture Dr Cao Duc Phat, who shared insights into Vietnam’s successful transition from subsistence farming to a globally competitive, export-driven agricultural economy.
Dr Phat presented Vietnam’s landmark Đổi Mới reforms, introduced in 1986, which liberalised the economy and significantly boosted agricultural productivity. As a result, Vietnam has developed a robust agri-export sector, with exports reaching approximately US$70.1 billion in 2025.
This growth has been underpinned by targeted investment in irrigation systems, rural infrastructure, financial inclusion, and the adoption of modern digital farming technologies.
President Hichilema expressed strong interest in Vietnam’s experience, describing it as a practical model that offers valuable lessons for Zambia’s own development path.
He reiterated the Government’s ambitious production targets, including 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of soya beans annually by 2031.
He emphasised that achieving these targets will require a fundamental transformation of Zambia’s agricultural systems, with particular focus on expanding irrigation, strengthening value chains, and increasing resilience to climate variability.
Central to this agenda is the ongoing Presidential Irrigation Programme, which aims to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and promote year-round production among farming communities across the country.
The President further called for strengthened cooperation with Vietnam, proposing the elevation of bilateral relations to a formal Economic Partnership Agreement focusing on trade, investment, technology transfer, and skills development.
He noted that a delegation led by Minister of Finance Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane and Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo recently undertook a study tour of Vietnam to explore practical areas of collaboration.
Government officials indicated that lessons drawn from Vietnam’s transformation will be adapted to Zambia’s local context to accelerate agricultural productivity, enhance food security, increase export potential, and improve rural livelihoods.
The President stressed that the time for implementation is now, signalling a renewed push towards unlocking Zambia’s agricultural potential.
