President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled ambitious agricultural production targets, setting a goal for Zambia to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize and one million metric tonnes each of wheat and soybeans annually by 2031.
The targets mark a significant increase from current output levels, with maize production typically ranging between 2.7 and 3.6 million tonnes in recent years, while wheat and soybean production remain below one million tonnes.
Hichilema announced the plan in Lusaka during a meeting with former Vietnamese Agriculture Minister Cao Duc Phat, as Zambia seeks to emulate Vietnam’s transformation into a global agricultural powerhouse.
Vietnam’s agricultural exports exceeded $70 billion in 2025, driven by reforms, investment in irrigation and rural infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies.
Hichilema said Zambia would draw lessons from Vietnam’s experience to strengthen food security, boost export earnings and improve rural livelihoods.
He noted that achieving the 2031 targets would require structural reforms in financing, sector organisation and support systems.
Phat outlined Vietnam’s 1986 liberalisation programme, which opened the economy to market forces and transformed its agricultural sector into a productive, export-oriented industry.
Hichilema said Zambia could unlock similar potential by accelerating reforms, improving productivity and expanding investment in irrigation and mechanisation.
AP
