Kenya and Zambia have sealed a deal to import up to 540,000 metric tonnes of maize into Kenya, a major boost to cross-border grain trade between the two countries.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency and a Kenyan company signed the agreement at the Cabinet Office in Lusaka on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Under the agreement, Zambia will supply Kenya with white, Grade A, non-GMO maize, with the 540,000 tonnes set to be delivered in six batches.

Zambia’s Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Finance and Economic Development Siazongo Siakalenge said five batches will each comprise 100,000 tonnes and will be delivered every three months, while the final shipment will contain 40,000 tonnes.

📌 What You Need to Know

Siakalenge challenged Zambian traders and the business community to take advantage of the country’s surplus maize production by identifying export markets and expanding the reach of locally produced grain.

The deal comes as Kenya steps up efforts to secure maize supplies from across the region, with the government recently seeking to increase imports from Uganda as the two countries work to expand agricultural trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Uganda was well positioned to supply part of Kenya’s maize requirements but raised concerns over aflatoxin levels in maize crossing the border.

Speaking during a luncheon meeting with Uganda’s Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture , Kagwe called for stronger mechanisms to ensure maize is properly dried before being exported to Kenya.

Kagwe said resolving the quality concerns would create a win-win situation by opening wider markets for Ugandan farmers while ensuring Kenyan consumers receive safe food.

Meanwhile, Zambia is targeting annual maize production of 10 million metric tonnes under its Grow Zambia agenda, with the government seeking to produce enough grain for both domestic consumption and international markets.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke