DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania is moving to expand its agricultural export market with plans to supply maize to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a development that could boost farmers’ incomes, strengthen food reserve management and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Officials say the initiative reflects growing regional demand for staple foods and highlights Tanzania’s increasing role as a supplier of grain within East and Central Africa.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Chairperson of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) Advisory Board, Ambassador John Ulanga, said discussions on maize exports gained momentum following a recent visit by a Tanzanian delegation to the DRC to explore opportunities for grain trade.
The visit prompted a return mission from the Office of the President of the DRC, whose officials travelled to Tanzania to assess the country’s grain storage capacity and technologies used in managing food reserves.
According to Ambassador Ulanga, the engagement represents an important opportunity for Tanzania to expand agricultural production while strengthening its strategic food reserve system.
“The visit by the DRC delegation offers a significant opportunity for Tanzania to broaden food production, strengthen national reserves and support economic stability through expanded agricultural trade,” he said.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest consumers of maize products in the region but continues to face substantial supply gaps. Officials estimate the country experiences an annual deficit of about 3.5 million tonnes of maize flour, creating strong demand for imports from neighbouring countries.
For Tanzania, the potential export arrangement could provide a stable external market for maize producers while reinforcing regional food trade networks.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Reserve Agency, Dr Andrew Komba, said Tanzania currently holds adequate food reserves, noting that any maize destined for export would come from surplus stocks after domestic food security requirements have been met.
He explained that the agency’s primary responsibility is to maintain sufficient reserves to safeguard the country against food shortages during emergencies or poor harvest seasons.
“By surplus, we mean that the strategic reserves required for domestic consumption have already been secured. At present, we have around 150,000 tonnes of grain stored to ensure food security for Tanzanians in the event of supply disruptions,” Dr Komba said.
Negotiations between the two sides are ongoing, and officials say a formal agreement will be announced once the discussions are concluded.
As part of the engagement process, the Congolese delegation is expected to continue consultations in Dodoma, where they will hold further discussions with relevant government ministries. The delegation will also inspect grain storage facilities operated by the NFRA in Dodoma and Babati.
Head of the Congolese delegation Tony Munongo commended Tanzania’s agricultural production capacity and expressed optimism about strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
“We are impressed by Tanzania’s capacity in food production and supply, and we look forward to building stronger cooperation and expanding trade between our nations,” he said.
Expanding grain trade between Tanzania and the DRC is expected to stabilise regional food markets while providing new opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses in both countries.
The initiative also reflects broader efforts within Africa to strengthen cross-border agricultural trade and improve food security through regional market integration.
