Zimbabwe millers shut down operations over maize shortages

Blue Ribbon, one of Zimbabwe's major milling companies, and 23 other millers have suspended operations in Bulawayo, citing dwindling supplies of locally produced maize for the southern region.

The development has raised concerns over the availability of maize meal in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, with millers warning that shortages of locally sourced grain are making it increasingly difficult to maintain consistent production.

In a circular addressed to the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) board and copied to the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Bulawayo's Minister of State, Grain Millers Association Southern Region chairperson Major (Rtd) David Moyo said the sector was facing serious operational challenges.

"The grain milling sector in the Southern Region is currently experiencing operational challenges due to declining availability of locally produced maize," Moyo said.

He said supplies from local farmers had fallen significantly, reducing the amount of maize available for commercial milling and preventing companies from maintaining normal production levels and building adequate reserves.

"Local maize supplies from farmers have significantly declined, resulting in reduced availability of maize required for commercial milling operations," he said.

"This has affected the ability of millers to maintain consistent production levels and build adequate maize reserves. We can't find the much-taunted bumper maize harvest."

The shortage has reportedly been compounded by quality problems, with some locally produced maize said to have been affected by insect infestations.

Millers are also facing increased operating costs as they attempt to secure alternative supplies.

Moyo raised concerns over the impact of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which introduced measures aimed at levelling the playing field between locally produced and imported maize.

He said the levies, which took effect in April 2026 and require an upfront payment of US$40 per tonne, were making it difficult for millers to import maize using the 30- to 60-day payment terms traditionally available to them.

"Following the introduction of SI 87 of 2025 levies in April 2026, which require upfront payment of US$40.00/MT, millers are unable to access imported maize on 30 to 60 day payment terms," Moyo said.

He argued that the levy should be reconsidered given the shortage of locally produced maize in the southern region.

"There is no need for imposition of levies to equalise prices of imported maize with local maize because there is no more local maize supplies," he said.

According to Moyo, the shortage has already resulted in the closure of Blue Ribbon Industries and 23 medium- and small-scale milling companies in Bulawayo.

"Regrettably, Blue Ribbon Industries and 23 other medium and small-scale millers have closed their grain milling operations in Bulawayo," he said.

Moyo said the situation was similar to challenges experienced in the previous year and accused the Agriculture Ministry of failing to adequately prioritise the southern region.

"This is a replay of the same sad predicament of last year. Ministry of Agriculture does not seem to prioritize the Southern region of Zimbabwe given its geographical sensitivities," he said.

The development comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking to strengthen food security and increase domestic agricultural production.

The millers' concerns are likely to put renewed focus on the distribution of maize between regions, the availability and quality of locally produced grain and the government's policies governing maize imports.

The closure of 24 milling operations could also have implications for employment, food supply chains and the availability of maize meal in one of Zimbabwe's major urban centres if the supply constraints persist.