Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. SOUTH Africa has welcomed Zimbabwe’s decision to lift the ban on maize imports, hailing the move as a major step towards bolstering regional food security and trade stability.
Government had initially predicted a 2,3 million metric tonne yield, sufficient for national needs.
However, recent figures from the national statistics agency adjusted the estimate to 1,8 million metric tonnes, prompting the policy change and concern over food security.
Analysts believe initial production figures were exaggerated, with recent reports indicating that one of the second largest milling firm halted operations due to maize shortage.
South Africa’s Agriculture minister, John Steenhuisen, said the Zimbabwean market was a crucial outlet for both white and yellow maize surpluses, helping to stabilise prices within South Africa.
“This development underscores our collective responsibility in ensuring food sufficiency,” he said in a statement.
Steenhuisen argued that open markets are fundamental to a healthy agricultural sector.
“The agricultural sector thrives on predictability and efficiency. Restrictive trade measures, while sometimes intended to protect local producers, too often lead to market distortions that ultimately harm the consumer,” he said.
The formal removal of the ban, he added, is essential for food security and consumer welfare across the region.
“By allowing the free flow of maize, particularly white maize that our people on the continent consume as a staple food, we are sending a clear signal of confidence to our agribusiness and exporters,” Steenhuisen said.
“This encourages the investment and expanded production that benefits all Southern African Development Community member States.”
Steenhuisen further highlighted that the decision strengthens regional integration.
“It ensures that surplus-producing nations can readily meet the needs of their neighbours,” he said.
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