• This is in a bid to boost the white maize stocks in the country.
• Zambia has also received support amounting to US$13.31 million under the Relief Cash Option.
• 44,286.5 metric tonnes of white maize has so far been distributed to drought affected districts to avert hunger.

Zambia has reached an initial agreement with the Tanzanian Government to import 650,000 metric tonnes of white maize.

Updating the country on Cabinet resolutions, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said this is in a bid to boost the white maize stocks in the country.

Mr. Mweetwa, who is also Minister of Information and Media, revealed that Zambia has also received support amounting to US$13.31 million under the Relief Cash Option, adding that so far 92,515 households have since been targeted to receive the support.

He further disclosed that with regards to food relief, 44,286.5 metric tonnes of white maize has so far been distributed to drought affected districts to avert hunger.

“Of this amount 3,706 metric tonnes has been distributed under the Maize for the vulnerable component, while 12,013 metric tonnes has been distributed under the Food for Work component.”

“Under the Community Sales, 360,317.87 metric tonnes of white maize has been sold as at 7th June, 2024,” Mr. Mweeta stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mweetwa revealed that during the meeting, Cabinet also approved the Budget Policy Concept Paper on the 2025 – 2027 Medium Term Budget Plan and the 2025 Budget, which reflects the key budget principles that will guide the formulation of the 2025 – 2027 Medium Term Budget Plan and the 2025 Budget, as set out in the Budget Policy Concept Paper.

“The Concept Paper further highlights the overall growth objective over the period 2025-2027 medium term, which is to increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per annum, premised on the expected higher investments and expansion in key economic sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” he explained.

He added that the document also reflects the improvements in the macroeconomic fundamentals, strengthening of fiscal policy as well as the concluded debt restructuring processes, aimed at supporting economic growth prospects for the country and its citizenry.

“The Concept Paper will now be used as a blue print for further consultations with all key stakeholders as part of the process of formulating the Medium-Term Budget Plan and the 2025 Budget, with all stakeholders such as the private sector because the New Dawn Government has a firm belief that development of the country cannot be done by Government alone, but through the involvement of other stakeholders such as the private sector,” Mr. Mweetwa added.