Zimbabwe prepares to increase grain imports as crop output may fall 42%

Zimbabwe is preparing to increase grain imports amid expectations of poorer weather conditions in the 2026/27 season. The government has allowed private companies to step up purchases for food and feed needs before domestic stocks tighten.

According to the government forecast, total grain production in 2026/27 could fall by around 42% to 1.6 mln tons from about 2.74 mln tons a season earlier. Much of the country is expected to receive below-normal rainfall, while possible El Niño conditions add further risks to the crop.

The situation could reverse the recent decline in corn imports. In January-July 2026, Zimbabwe’s spending on corn imports fell to $183.6 mln from $277.5 mln a year earlier, a reduction of $93.9 mln.

Lower import spending was made possible by a recovery in domestic production. The 2025/26 corn crop is estimated at around 2.69 mln tons, up from 2.29 mln tons a season earlier, reducing the country’s dependence on foreign supplies.

If the next harvest deteriorates, demand for imported grain could rise again. South Africa and Zambia are among the potential suppliers, while actual import volumes will depend on crop size, carry-in stocks and weather conditions.

Tags: grain, imports, Zimbabwe, harvest