Malawi’s private grain traders defy export ban amid low domestic maize prices

Tensions are rising in Malawi between the government and private grain traders, as falling domestic maize prices push entrepreneurs to increasingly defy the state’s export ban in search of better returns on regional markets.

Market sources report that maize is being informally exported to Mozambique, Kenya and Rwanda via Tanzania, while supplies continue to flow to Zambia, Malawi’s traditional market. This is happening despite the country recently importing about 200,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia to cover a domestic shortfall identified by the authorities.

The government has reiterated its commitment to strictly enforce the export ban, citing the need to safeguard national food security. In a recent incident, authorities seized three trucks carrying a total of 90 tonnes of maize that were being smuggled into Zambia through unofficial routes in the border district of Mchinji.

Grace Mijiga-Mhango, president of the Grain Traders Association of Malawi, criticised the lack of government maize purchases on the local market, arguing that without budgetary funding traders are left with limited options. She said meaningful state purchases are unlikely before the national budget is approved, making exports—despite their risks—one of the few ways for traders to avoid losses.

Analysts and civil society representatives are calling for a more flexible approach, including allowing regulated exports once national food requirements are clearly assessed, potentially through a quota-based permit system. Others suggest promoting maize processing into flour or animal feed, while warning that the prevalence of informal trade makes full enforcement of the export ban increasingly difficult.

Tags: corn, export, restrictions, Mali