In a direct response to a severe hunger crisis in Malawi, Zambia has formalized a $77 million agreement to supply its neighbor with 200,000 metric tonnes of maize.

The National Food Reserve Agencies of the two nations have signed the agreement on Wednesday in Lilongwe to oversee its expedited implementation.

This government-to-government pact addresses a national emergency in Malawi, where officials confirm at least 4 million people are at risk of hunger. The crisis has been driven by devastating droughts and cyclones that have crippled local harvests.

Highlighting the urgency at the signing ceremony, Malawi's Minister of Agriculture, Roza Mbilizi, stated, “This agreement is a hurried and crucial response to that reality.” 

Looking ahead, she hinted at the need for long-term solutions, suggesting Malawi will now have to seriously embrace mechanized, irrigation, and commercial farming to avert future hunger situations.

The agreement was made possible by a record maize harvest in Zambia, which has positioned the nation as a regional food basket. 

Zambian Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo assured the quality of the aid, stating, “We are pleased to confirm that Zambia will supply only Grade A maize to our brothers and sisters in Malawi.”

He framed the assistance as a lesson learned from shared experience, revealing Zambia's own journey from food insecurity to surplus. 

“We were once in a similar situation, facing hunger and uncertainty,” Mtolo said. “But we turned things around through mechanization. Our success today is built on that foundation, and it is a path we commend to our partners.”

The deal was initiated at the highest level, spurred by a spirit of regional solidarity. It began with a direct phone call from Malawian President Professor Peter Mutharika to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. 

In a public address, President Hichilema confirmed the conversation, stating, “I did receive a phone call from my brother, the President of Malawi… and we have pledged to keep 200,000 metric tons of maize for them. And we will do it with pleasure.”

President Mutharika earlier reassured the Malawian public, declaring that with maize deliveries soon to begin, “hunger will soon be a thing of the past.” 

The agreement stands as a testament to the power of regional cooperation, turning a pledge between leaders into a lifeline for millions.