Did you know that maize flour accounted for K117m of Zambia’s June exports to DRC?

According to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) […]

According to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) July 2026 report, Zambia exported maize corn flour worth K117.2 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in June 2026, accounting for 3.1% of the country’s total exports to the DRC, which stood at more than K3.8 billion during the month.

Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), agriculture expert Clement Phiri said the K117.2 million in maize flour exports demonstrates that Zambia is successfully moving part of its surplus production into the DRC market, particularly the mining-driven but food-deficit Katanga and Lualaba provinces.

 “DRC’s Katanga and Lualaba provinces are mining-driven and food-deficit, so Zambia’s bumper harvest, milling capacity, and regional demand had aligned to create favorable conditions for maize flour exports,” said Phiri.

 Meanwhile, he said the Food Reserve Agency (FRA)’s K347 per 50 kg buying price will help provide a price anchor for farmers and millers while supporting the build-up of strategic reserves. “The buying price also allows Zambian millers to remain competitive because Zambia has a shorter transportation route to the DRC compared to suppliers from Tanzania and South Africa, although rising energy, transport, and open-market maize costs could threaten that advantage,” said Phiri.

He added that Zambia could see maize flour exports to the DRC increase between August and October as post-harvest supplies move through the market, predicting that monthly exports could rise to between K130 million and K150 million if border logistics remain efficient. “Overall, the next 3-4 months are Zambia’s window to dominate DRC’s flour market before regional competitors catch up,” said Phiri.

However, he urged the government to provide predictable export policies, improve coordination between FRA and millers, reduce delays at borders such as Kasumbalesa, and promote value-added products such as fortified mealie meal, breakfast cereals, and stockfeed.

By Justine Phiri