HH Assures Farmers on FRA Payments

By Ellen Hambuba

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has assured farmers across the country that payments for maize sold to the Food Reserve Agency –FRA- are in progress, following concerns over delays.

Speaking live on Diamond TV while on leave at his farm in Southern Province, the President said Government has already secured the required funds, which have been deposited in commercial banks.

President HICHILEMA explained that the delays are mainly due to logistical and banking challenges, particularly affecting farmers without bank accounts or access to mobile money services.

He apologised to the affected farmers for the inconvenience and said no farmer should be exposed to exploitative buyers during the crop marketing season.

The Head of State said Government increased maize purchases to 1.6 million metric tonnes, which created a temporary funding gap that has now been resolved.

He said food security remains a matter of national importance and added that Zambia must continue to be a producing nation rather than a consumer.

President HICHILEMA also spoke about efforts to secure structured export markets in the region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo –DRC- and Malawi.

He expressed optimism that 2026 will be a better year, saying citizens will increasingly experience the benefits of economic and social reforms in agriculture, energy, education and mining.