Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has expressed interest in procuring 200,000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia to mitigate looming food shortages in Malawi.

This follows revelations that over 4 million Malawians are at risk of hunger during the 2025/26 lean season.

Speaking on Tuesday when he opened the 2025 Southern Province Investment and Trade Expo, President Hichilema said he received a phone call from President Mutharika on Monday night requesting Zambia to reserve the maize for Malawi.

“In the last four years in government, we’ve walked the talk. After the drought, we have surplus food, and I’m pleased to say that last night [Monday], my brother, the new President of Malawi, called me and said, ‘HH, please keep 200,000 metric tons of maize for us.’ And we will do it with pleasure. Thank you to our farmers — this is money for us,” said President Hichilema.

He commended Zambian farmers for their contribution to the country’s agricultural success, noting that the surplus is a result of effective agricultural policies and resilience following recent droughts.

Back in Malawi, the Center for Social Concern (CfSC) has urged the government to act swiftly to secure the maize and prevent the situation from worsening.

Agnes Nyirongo, the organization’s Economic Justice Programmes Officer, said authorities must release funds promptly to facilitate the purchase and transportation of the maize.

“The government must ensure that funds are released quickly so that the maize reaches Malawi as soon as possible. I would also urge authorities to strengthen the mega farms initiative because we cannot continue to rely on imported maize,” Nyirongo said.

According to data from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), the country requires approximately K387.20 billion to procure the 200,000 metric tonnes of maize.