DMMU Partners with FQM to Import 650,000 mt of Maize

As Government continues its efforts to boost maize supplies and ensure food security in response to the drought, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has entered a public-private partnership with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) to import maize relief.

Under the agreement returning copper anode export trucks will be used to transport 650,000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania, with delivery to be made to maize storage depots in Kapiri Mposhi and the Copperbelt.

Speaking on FQM’s response to the drought the company’s director for Zambia Anthony Mukutuma stated, “Transportation of this maize into Zambia has been supported by an innovative approach under which FQM has agreed to partner with the Government to use the returning copper anode export trucks to bring maize that the DMMU is importing from Tanzania.”

“For a company that has been operating in Zambia for over 28 years, the declaration of the 2023/2024 drought as a national disaster and emergency by President Hakainde Hichilema on February 29,2024, was a call for action,” Mukutuma has stated.

In response to the drought First Quantum mobilised a dedicated team to collaborate with the government on addressing food, energy, and water security.

“As an important contributor to the national economy, FQM’s operations and growth are inextricably linked to Zambia’s prosperity – hence our commitment to ensuring our nation successfully navigates this difficult time. What is good for Zambia is good for FQM,” Mukutuma explained.

Mr Mukutuma has also emphasised the company’s commitment to helping manage the current power deficit by importing power and the company also manages a number of local agriculture projects in the country. Since 2010 their conservation farming programme has trained over 40,000 farmers in sustainable, low-input-cost, high yield techniques, with farmers achieving yields of up to 10 tonnes per hectare.

Meanwhile, Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Executive Director Mwansa Chamatete last Friday announced that government has procured over 400,000 metric tonnes of maize locally from regions which had good rainfall.