By Brandon Moss AgriFocus Africa July 31, 2025

Kabwe—Zambia is fast becoming a regional seed production hub, thanks to strategic investments and policy reforms. The latest milestone is the opening of Bayer’s €32 million maize seed facility in Kabwe, inaugurated by President Hakainde Hichilema and Bayer CEO Bill Anderson.

The facility triples Zambia’s capacity for high-quality maize seed production, with output expected to reach 6.4 million smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa this year and up to 10 million by 2030. The seeds offer higher yields and resilience to climate stress, directly addressing food insecurity.

Acting Agriculture Minister Peter Kapala highlighted Zambia’s rise in seed exports—from 24,000 to 53,000 metric tonnes between 2022 and 2024. “Zambia has developed a robust seed industry that not only meets domestic requirements but also contributes significantly to regional food security,” he said.

The National Seed Congress held in Lusaka earlier this month emphasized public-private collaboration, with the Zambia Seed Trade Association pledging support for the government’s goal of 10 million metric tonnes of maize production.

The facility also includes agronomic training and stewardship programs, empowering smallholders to adopt climate-smart practices. Bayer’s investment is now the second-largest by a German company in Zambia, signaling confidence in the country’s agricultural future.