By Pemphero Malimba:
The Transporters Association of Malawi (Tam) says it has identified over 50 transporters across the country to move 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) of the 200,000 MT of maize that the government has procured from Zambia.
This comes barely two weeks after the association announced that it was mobilising transporters for the task following the signing of an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Tam spokesperson Frank Banda told The Daily Times yesterday that the transporters are expected to provide 650 trucks to transport the maize from Chipata in Zambia to National Food Reserve Agency silos at Kanengo in Lilongwe.
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“We have many transporters who have registered and over 50 transporters have shown interest. We wanted 650 trucks and we are almost there,” Banda said.
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He added that the association was working on logistical processes as it expects to start transporting the maize during the first week of January 2026.
“On fuel, we are in discussions with our usual fuel supplier and our banks to assist us with the fuel facility. The discussions are going well and by January we should be able to start the exercise and finish by the end of January, God willing,” Banda said.
In October this year, the government of Malawi signed a K137 billion deal to import 200,000 MT of maize from Zambia.
The maize is intended to support a food response programme targeting over four million people facing hunger across the country.
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Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that procurement processes the maize had been completed and only the identification of transporters remained to facilitate its transport into the country.
Meanwhile, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira expressed concern over delays in the transportation of the maize.
“Malawians need maize not explanations. It is unfortunate that the food shortage crisis is being managed through press statements and shifting dates,” Kambwandira said.
Agriculture policy expert Leonard Chimwaza urged the association to expedite the transportation processes.
“They must ensure that those entrusted with clearing and logistics are vigilant so that we avoid obvious delays,” Chimwaza said.
He added that the maize importation deal is crucial to ease the tension caused by the shortage of food in the country.
