Zimbabwe to expand grain storage capacity to 1.5 mln tons

Zimbabwe plans to increase its national grain storage capacity to 1.5 mln tons by 2030. The government is expanding strategic reserves and upgrading infrastructure to strengthen the country’s food security amid growing climate-related risks.

By the end of 2026, the government aims to build the National Strategic Grain Reserve to 450 thsd tons. Around 300 thsd tons are expected to be secured in the near term, while another 150 thsd tons are set to come from the wheat harvest.

A key part of the program will be the construction of new solar-powered grain storage facilities. The new silos are expected to allow grain to be stored for up to five years. Some facilities will be located in areas with relatively low grain production to ensure faster access to food reserves in regions facing shortages.

The need to expand reserves became particularly evident after the severe drought of 2024, which caused significant damage to the country’s agricultural sector. Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka said the government aims to better prepare the food system for future weather shocks and the potential effects of El Niño.

At the same time, Zimbabwe plans to increase maize production, the country’s main staple grain. Higher domestic output, larger strategic reserves and additional long-term storage capacity are expected to reduce dependence on grain imports during poor harvest years and strengthen the food sector’s resilience to drought.

Tags: wheat, grain storage, silos