Key Market Indicators
Zambians are expected to consume 2.2 million metric tons of maize in 2026, up 0.2% compared to 2021. Since 2017, demand for maize in the country has dropped by 0.1% on average each year. In 2021, Zambia ranked 17th in maize consumption, behind Malawi with 2.2 million metric tons. India, China and Indonesia were the top three maize consumers in 2021. Meanwhile, Zambia's maize production is forecasted to drop 0.6% in 2026, to 2.1 million metric tons, from 2.2 million metric tons in 2021. Since 1966, maize output in the country has decreased by 5.2% on average each year. In 2021, Zambia ranked 45th in maize production, behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo with 2.2 million metric tons. China, Brazil and Argentina were the top three maize producers in 2021.
