Zimbabwe is positioning itself to save more than US$1 billion a year in food imports as government ramps up efforts to bolster national food security and reduce dependence on foreign supplies. The strategy is anchored in new regulatory measures designed to protect local farmers, strengthen agricultural self-sufficiency, and ensure processors increasingly source raw materials within the country.
According to figures released by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the nation’s food import bill soared to US$976,1 million in 2024, representing a 55,2 percent jump from US$628,9 million in 2023. The sharp rise was largely driven by drought-induced crop deficits that forced the country to turn to foreign suppliers, particularly for grain. Maize imports accounted for the bulk of the expenditure, alongside oilseeds and related products.
In response, government has unveiled Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025—known formally as the Agricultural Marketing Authority Grain, Oilseed and Products Amendment Regulations No. 2—which places restrictions on food imports and sets phased targets for local sourcing. Beginning in April 2026, food processors will be required to procure at least 40 percent of their grain and oilseed needs from local farmers. The quota will progressively increase, reaching 70 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by April 2028.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, explained that the SI is intended to consolidate food sovereignty by safeguarding farmers from being undercut by cheap imports while encouraging investment in domestic production.
“In the 2024–25 season, we produced enough grain to take us to the next season—2,3 million tonnes of maize and almost 600 000 tonnes of traditional grains,” Prof. Jiri said. “While there are pockets of deficit, we deployed logistics to move grain where it was needed. Borders were initially closed to encourage local off-take, but are now reopened for imports mainly for stock feeds. SI 87 ensures unnecessary imports do not undermine local production.”
The policy reflects a broader government vision of insulating Zimbabwe from recurring shocks such as drought and global supply disruptions. Officials argue that by scaling up domestic grain and oilseed production, the country can stabilize food supplies, reduce its import bill, and build resilience against external economic pressures.
Zimbabwe Targets US$1 Billion in Annual Import Savings Through Local Food Production
For Zimbabwe’s farmers, the new regulations are both a protective shield and an incentive. By mandating local procurement, government guarantees a stable market for their produce while encouraging investment in inputs and technologies that can boost yields. Analysts say the arrangement could help reverse years of underutilisation of arable land, with thousands of farmers encouraged to expand production knowing they have secure buyers.
Agricultural unions have broadly welcomed the measures. They argue that local farmers have long been disadvantaged by the ease with which processors could rely on cheaper imports, often preferring foreign suppliers even when domestic harvests were available. With SI 87, government aims to break this cycle, ensuring processors prioritize Zimbabwean crops.
If successfully implemented, the policy could deliver significant savings to the national economy. By substituting foreign imports with local production, Zimbabwe stands to conserve scarce foreign currency while stimulating rural livelihoods through expanded agricultural activity. The US$1 billion in potential savings could be redirected towards critical infrastructure, health, and education, boosting overall development.
Economists note that the ripple effects of reducing the import bill will extend beyond agriculture. Local value chains in milling, stock feed production, and food processing will be strengthened, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Transport and logistics firms are also expected to benefit from increased movement of grain within the country.
Despite the optimism, hurdles remain. Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is still vulnerable to climate variability, with droughts regularly undermining output. Ensuring that farmers consistently meet rising local procurement quotas will require investment in irrigation, improved seed varieties, and climate-smart practices.
Another challenge lies in enforcement. While SI 87 sets out clear targets, monitoring compliance by processors will require robust oversight by the Agricultural Marketing Authority and related agencies. There is also the risk of parallel markets emerging if shortages develop, potentially undermining the intent of the policy.
Nevertheless, the government insists that SI 87 is a critical step towards lasting food security. Officials point to recent harvests as evidence that Zimbabwe can meet its own needs when conditions are favorable and policies are aligned with production realities.
“The idea is not to close borders forever,” Prof. Jiri emphasized. “Imports will still be allowed when necessary, but they must not be used as an excuse to ignore local produce. The priority is to build a resilient agricultural system that serves our people first.”
For ordinary Zimbabweans, the initiative holds the promise of greater stability in food prices and availability. For farmers, it offers certainty that their toil will not go to waste. And for government, it represents an opportunity to cut a hefty import bill while strengthening the backbone of the economy.
As April 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the policy is enforced and whether Zimbabwe can indeed turn its ambition into reality—saving over US$1 billion annually while feeding its people from its own soil.
Source- Bulawayo24
