The maize export ban has been partially lifted, in efforts to mop up last year’s maize stocks to create space for one million metric tonnes (MT) surplus grain.

The above has been implemented by the Ministry of Trade, as the ministry’s  Principal Secretary Christina Zakeyo outlined that the maize export licences will only be issued to exporters with proof of verifiable maize stocks from the previous agricultural season. Following the partial lift, export licenses will have a validity period of three months from the date of issue.

In early February 2018, the government reintroduced the ban after a year’s break, to preserve the national grain reserve and stem the impact of tighter domestic supplies.