The Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism has maintained the earlier ban on the exportation of maize and maize products to other countries in a bid to ensure adequate local supply for government purchases.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Patrick Botha, confirmed the development to Zodiak on Thursday, saying traders are expected to comply with the restriction as the government begins procuring maize locally to feed 4.1 million hunger-stricken households.

Botha explained that under the Control of Goods Act (2018), the ministry is empowered to restrict maize exports since it is classified as a licensable product.

He further appealed to the public to remain vigilant and assist authorities in enforcing the ban, warning that the government will take stern action against non-compliant traders.

“We have a serious maize shortage and hunger problem in this country. It only makes sense for the government to buy maize locally from our traders. There is no logic in allowing exports only to buy the same maize back from outside,” said Botha.

He added that the ministry is collaborating with the Department of Immigration, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), and the Malawi Police Service, among other agencies, to ensure full compliance with the ban.

According to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) 2025–2026 hunger report, about 4.1 million households are currently facing food shortages, prompting the government to procure maize both locally and from Zambia to ease the situation.

Meanwhile, ADMARC has already purchased 27,615 metric tonnes of maize using part of the K20 billion allocated by the government to the grain marketer.

Recently, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared 11 districts across the country as being in a State of Disaster due to the ongoing hunger crisis.