Zimbabwe is on the brink of a serious mealie-meal shortage as grain millers warn that the current maize supply shortage could trigger widespread hunger if urgent action is not taken. The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has appealed to the government to reconsider the recent ban on grain imports, which is exacerbating the situation.

David Moyo, chairperson of GMAZ’s southern region, highlighted the growing challenge faced by millers who agreed to purchase maize from local farmers based on government assurances of sufficient stock,over two million tonnes. However, farmers are now withholding their maize, possibly anticipating adverse weather conditions such as drought. “Where it once took three hours to load a 30-tonne truck, it now takes seven days,” Moyo explained.

He criticized Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, which imposes levies on maize imports, effectively raising the cost of mealie-meal and burdening consumers. Moyo urged the government to revert to policies that encourage competition among millers, which could help reduce prices.

Mthokozisi Sibanda, GMAZ southern region vice-chairman, echoed concerns over dwindling maize supplies arriving “in dribs and drabs.” Sibanda pointed out that government interventions such as SI 145/2019, which centralized maize trading under the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), and subsequent policies have unintentionally disrupted stable maize supply. He warned that the current import restrictions and levies limit business operations and threaten food security.

A recent visit to several milling companies including Blue Ribbon Private Limited, National Foods, and Champion Consumer Brands confirmed depleted stocks, with some mills already reducing operations and sending workers home.

Experts argue that lifting border restrictions on maize imports and revisiting the regulatory framework could avert a looming food shortage in Zimbabwe, particularly in the southern region, which faces persistent agricultural challenges. Without swift policy adjustments, the country risks a significant mealie-meal crisis impacting millions of consumers.

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