Zambia cancels maize export permits

Authorities in Zambia have canceled all maize export permits as the southern African nation tries to rein in illegal export of the commodity, a senior official said Thursday.

Zambia, among the few countries in drought-hit Southern Africa with surplus maize, has previously limited the export of maize to companies with export permits in order to safeguard national food security.

Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Julius Shawa said all maize export permits that were previously issued are now null and void.

"All players who are involved in maize trade, that is private sector, millers and the Food Reserve Agency, should focus on meeting the domestic demand for maize and mealie-meal," he said in a statement.

He said only maize meant for humanitarian purposes will be allowed out of the country, adding that law enforcement agencies were on alert and closely monitoring various border points to prevent illegal maize exports.

Zambia has been battling the problem of maize smuggling to neighboring countries following a high demand for the commodity. Zambia is among the few countries with surplus maize following poor rains experienced in the 2015/2016 season in southern Africa. Endit