Zimbabwe could soon hold a significant surplus in its strategic grain reserves, strengthening the country’s food security position.
The projected surplus ranges between 550 945 and 964 945 metric tonnes. However, the final figure will depend on maize consumption levels.
The latest projections emerged during Tuesday’s Post-Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare. Information Minister Dr Soda Zhemu presented findings from the latest crop assessment.
Grain stocks rise as maize production improves
According to the assessment, government expects stronger grain reserves following improved maize production.
Dr Zhemu said: “Based on the Second Round of the Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report, the country is expecting a surplus strategic grain reserve ranging between 550 945 metric tonnes and 964 945 metric tonnes, at consumption rates of 10 kilogrammes and seven kilogrammes per person per month, respectively.
“Government stocks held at the Grain Marketing Board as at 19 August 2026 stood at 252 177 metric tonnes, while deliveries for the 2025/2026 season were 126 per cent above those recorded in the 2024/2025 season.
“Mashonaland West Province accounted for 50.10 per cent of the intake. Cabinet noted with satisfaction that improvements in both productivity and hectarage drove the increase in national maize output.
“This demonstrates that initiatives under the Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 are working as intended and that the targets are on course to be achieved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government is also pursuing greater value from Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth. Officials want to expand beneficiation and strengthen connections across the mining industry.
Government targets greater value from minerals
Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Engineer Polite Kambamura briefed Cabinet on Mine Entra 2026.
The mining, engineering and transport expo took place in Bulawayo from 29 to 31 July. President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the event.
Several platforms examined important opportunities across Zimbabwe’s mining sector. These included energy, infrastructure, exploration and mineral beneficiation.
Dr Zhemu said: “Some of the highlights of Mine Entra 2026 included the supplier, energy and infrastructure symposium, the exploration symposium, the beneficiation symposium, the exhibitors’ welcome cocktail and the Mine Entra Golf Challenge.
“Following the success of Mine Entra 2026, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development will continue to strengthen post-show and outcomes reporting to track the value of business concluded during the expo and at future editions,” said Dr Zhemu.
Cabinet also reviewed several other important national developments. These included Zimbabwe’s benchmarking visit to Indonesian industrial parks.
Officials further discussed the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show’s upcoming official opening. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to officiate at the event.
Cabinet also considered developments involving the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission.
Together, these developments highlight the government’s broader economic strategy. Officials continue pursuing investment, industrial growth and stronger domestic production.
Meanwhile, currency stability has continued supporting Zimbabwe’s economic growth trajectory. The government is also promoting policies designed to attract further investment.:::
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