John Steenhuisen Welcomes Zimbabwe’s Lifting of Maize Import Ban

South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, John Steenhuisen, has welcomed the Zimbabwean government's decision to lift its ban on maize and other grain imports, describing it as a positive and pragmatic move that will enhance regional food security, market stability, and economic cooperation across Southern Africa.

The ban was officially lifted under Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025, allowing for the resumption of cross-border grain trade between Zimbabwe and its regional partners. The policy shift follows months of agricultural and economic consultations within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and marks a return to what Minister Steenhuisen called "sound economic principles" essential for regional prosperity.

"Exports stabilise local prices and the Zimbabwean market plays an important role for both white and yellow maize," Steenhuisen said. "This is an extremely welcome development that underscores the collective responsibility we share in ensuring food sufficiency."

A Win for Regional Food Security

Zimbabwe's decision to remove import restrictions is expected to boost food availability and affordability in the region, particularly amid the ongoing effects of climate variability, drought, and supply chain disruptions.

The lifting of the import ban will enable grain-surplus countries—such as South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi—to export more maize into Zimbabwe, which has faced reduced domestic yields due to erratic rainfall patterns.

"By allowing the free flow of maize, particularly white maize that our people on the continent consume as a staple food, we are sending a clear signal of confidence to our agribusinesses and exporters," Steenhuisen said. "This will encourage investment and expanded production that benefits all SADC Member States."

He added that the move also supports regional integration, ensuring that surplus-producing nations can readily meet the needs of their neighbouring food-deficit countries, thereby strengthening collective resilience against hunger and inflation.

A Return to Market-Led Agricultural Policy

Minister Steenhuisen hailed Zimbabwe's decision as a return to market-led principles that promote stability, predictability, and transparency in regional agricultural trade. He warned that while trade restrictions are often imposed to protect local producers, they can inadvertently cause market distortions that harm consumers, drive up prices, and disrupt supply chains.

"The agricultural sector thrives on predictability and efficiency, and restrictive trade measures—while sometimes well-intentioned—too often lead to market distortions that ultimately harm the consumer," he said.

Economists have similarly noted that protectionist agricultural policies in the region have historically contributed to price volatility and discouraged private-sector investment in grain production and logistics.

By reopening its borders to maize imports, Zimbabwe signals a more open trade posture consistent with SADC trade protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Strengthening Regional Integration and Trade

The reopening of Zimbabwe's grain market is expected to stimulate trade across major agricultural corridors, including the Beitbridge border post, one of the busiest land crossings in Southern Africa.

South Africa's maize exporters are likely to benefit from the policy shift, given the country's robust grain production capacity and its role as a regional supplier of both white and yellow maize.

According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), South Africa's maize exports to Zimbabwe had declined sharply in recent years due to import restrictions. With the ban lifted, export volumes are expected to rebound, generating revenue for farmers, employment in logistics and storage, and greater regional trade flow.

"It strengthens regional integration and ensures that surplus-producing nations can readily meet the needs of their neighbours," Steenhuisen said. "Such cooperation promotes stability and shared prosperity."

The decision is also expected to improve price harmonisation across SADC markets, as greater trade flows help to balance supply-demand gaps and stabilise regional food prices.

Aligning with SADC and African Trade Goals

The move by Zimbabwe aligns with the broader SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP), which advocates for open, efficient, and transparent agricultural markets that enable member states to respond collectively to food insecurity.

It also supports the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to eliminate trade barriers and foster intra-African trade in agricultural products.

The Department of Agriculture emphasised that South Africa remains committed to collaborating with its regional partners to advance fair and efficient trade in agricultural commodities, especially those critical to food security, such as maize.

"The Department remains committed to promoting fair, open, and efficient trade in agricultural products, which is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and poverty alleviation in Southern Africa," the department said in a statement.

Economic and Humanitarian Impact

The reinstatement of maize imports will have immediate benefits for consumers and humanitarian organisations operating in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Cheaper and more consistent grain supplies will help lower food inflation and improve access to staple foods for vulnerable households.

Humanitarian agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and regional food security clusters, are expected to integrate the new trade conditions into their procurement and distribution strategies to better respond to seasonal shortages.

Moreover, the resumption of maize imports will ease the strain on Zimbabwe's strategic grain reserves, which have been under pressure following multiple below-average harvests caused by prolonged dry spells.

Charting a Path Toward Agricultural Resilience

Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that trade liberalisation and agricultural cooperation must go hand in hand with climate adaptation measures, technological innovation, and investment in sustainable farming systems.

South Africa and Zimbabwe, along with other SADC members, are working on strengthening regional early warning systems, improving cross-border logistics, and investing in climate-smart agriculture to mitigate future disruptions.

"Our region's food security depends on both openness and resilience," Steenhuisen said. "Through cooperation, we can transform our agricultural systems to be both productive and sustainable."

A Signal of Confidence in Regional Agriculture

The lifting of Zimbabwe's maize import ban marks a significant turning point for regional trade. It reflects a broader trend across the continent toward greater economic interdependence, liberalisation, and market-driven policy reform.

As the Southern African region prepares for another planting season, the renewed flow of maize and grain trade is expected to bolster investor confidence and reinvigorate agribusiness partnerships across borders.

"This decision restores confidence in the regional market and demonstrates that our countries can work together to ensure that no household in Southern Africa goes hungry," Steenhuisen concluded.