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Acting Minister of Agriculture, Peter Kapala, has reaffirmed Zambia’s emergence as a key regional hub for seed production and processing. He attributed the country’s rising prominence to a combination of factors, including supportive government policies, favourable agroecological conditions, and continuous investments in the seed industry.
Speaking at the official opening of the 3rd National Seed Congress held in Lusaka, Mr. Kapala emphasized that Zambia’s strategic interventions have positioned it as one of Africa’s leading exporters of high-quality seed.
“Zambia has developed a robust seed industry that not only satisfies local agricultural demands but also plays a pivotal role in strengthening food security across the region,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted significant progress in the maize value chain over the past two years. Between 2022 and 2024, maize seed production increased from 86,000 metric tonnes to 94,000 metric tonnes, while exports more than doubled, rising from 24,000 metric tonnes to 53,000 metric tonnes. He added that similar growth patterns have been observed in other key crop value chains, including soya beans, groundnuts, and beans.
Kapala credited this advancement to strong collaboration between the government and private sector players. These partnerships, he noted, have been instrumental in boosting agricultural productivity and expanding Zambia’s seed market footprint.
Also speaking at the event, Patrick Nyumbu, Vice President of the Zambia Seed Trade Association, pledged the association’s full support in helping the government realize its maize production target of 10 million metric tonnes. He stressed the importance of maintaining a steady supply of high-quality seed to serve both domestic and export markets.
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The National Seed Congress serves as a platform for key stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, agribusiness leaders, and development partners—to deliberate on the future of Zambia’s seed sector. Discussions at the Congress focus on enhancing innovation, sustainability, and market growth.
As Zambia continues to prioritize climate resilience and food security, its expanding role in seed production is seen as a cornerstone in addressing broader regional agricultural challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.
