Steenhuisen welcomes Zimbabwe’s lifting of maize import ban

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed Zimbabwe’s decision to lift its ban on maize and grain imports, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening regional food security and economic cooperation.

The decision was gazetted under Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, effectively reopening one of South Africa’s key regional export markets for both white and yellow maize.

“This is an extremely welcome development that underscores the collective responsibility we share in ensuring food sufficiency,” Steenhuisen said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The agricultural sector thrives on predictability and efficiency, and restrictive trade measures—while sometimes intended to protect local producers—too often lead to market distortions that ultimately harm the consumer.”

Steenhuisen said the removal of Zimbabwe’s maize import ban was crucial for food security and consumer welfare across the Southern African region, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“By allowing the free flow of maize, particularly white maize which is a staple food across much of the continent, we are sending a clear signal of confidence to our agribusinesses and exporters,” he said.

“It encourages investment and expanded production that benefits all SADC Member States. It strengthens regional integration and ensures that surplus-producing nations can readily meet the needs of their neighbours.”

Steenhuisen said the Department of Agriculture remained committed to collaborating with regional partners to promote fair, open, and efficient agricultural trade, describing it as “the cornerstone of sustainable growth and poverty alleviation in Southern Africa.”

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