By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Ministry of Agriculture has reported that Zambia’s maize seed exports increased by 70 percent in 2025, rising from 52,000 metric tonnes in 2024 to 88,380 metric tonnes.
The exports were drawn from a total of 178,000 metric tonnes of maize seed produced in 2025, signaling continued growth of the seed sector, strengthened by key government policies and investments in modern seed production infrastructure.
Zambia’s maize seed is exported to several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Angola, Nigeria, and Senegal. The seed is also exported to European markets such as Italy and France.
In a statement, Ministry of Agriculture, Principal Public Relations Officer, Balewa Zyuulu, said the increase in exports demonstrates growing regional and international demand for Zambian seed and highlights the country’s expanding role as a supplier of high-quality agricultural inputs.
Mr. Zyuulu stated that locally, farmers consumed approximately 55,000 metric tonnes of seed, ensuring sufficient supply for planting and replanting.
“This contributes to national seed security, promotes higher agricultural productivity, and supports farmers’ livelihoods by providing reliable access to certified seed,” he noted.
He said the Ministry also recognizes the critical role played by the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) in ensuring quality and international competitiveness.
SCCI, a department under the Ministry of Agriculture, is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and follows International Union for Protection of Plant Varieties (UPOV) guidelines.
Mr. Zyuulu said certification procedures align with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standards, facilitating Zambia’s ability to export seed to regulated international markets.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to supporting the seed industry through strong legal frameworks, such as the Plant Variety and Seeds Act and the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act.
Mr. Zyuulu noted that the two Acts facilitate seed production, protect innovation, and encourage investment in research and the development of new plant varieties.
“These frameworks have enabled the successful introduction of high-value crops, such as blueberries, which are now produced, consumed, and exported from Zambia,” Mr. Zyuulu added.
He called on farmers and stakeholders across the country to continue participating in Zambia’s seed value chain to ensure that high-quality seed reaches all parts of the country and beyond.
