LUSAKA, June 27 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of grain traders and other stakeholders from Kenya is expected in Zambia this week to begin talks on the possible importation of maize, a senior Zambia government official said on Tuesday.
Minister of Finance Felix Mutati said the delegation is expected to hold talks with the Zambian government authorities for the importation of maize into the east African nation.
He told reporters during a press briefing that the delegation has already indicated that the maize is required in August and September this year.
But he could not state the tonnage of maize required, saying it will form part of the discussions.
"However the biggest challenge is how do we transport this maize to Kenya. Is it by rail or road because we will have to find the solutions to these and other challenges," he said.
The Zambian minister said east Africa has now been identified as a big market for the country's maize as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adding that the private sector should also explore these markets.
Zambia has produced 3.6 million tonnes of maize during the 2016/2017 farming season and with the country's consumption estimated at between 1.4 million tonnes and 1.5 million tonnes, the country has excess maize for exports.
The government has since lifted a ban on maize exports to encourage exports.
