Online Reporter
Edgar Vhera
Government has approved a new grain procurement and import verification framework designed to create a transparent, accountable system that prioritises local farmers while ensuring agro-processors continue to access grain supplies in an orderly and efficient manner.
The framework introduces a structured, market-based system that links grain import eligibility to verified local grain procurement via a transparent, digitally monitored platform.
The framework is operationalising Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025 (CAP. 18:24) Agricultural Marketing Authority (Grain, Oilseed and Products) (Amendment) Regulations (No. 2), enacted by the Government last year to govern the import of grains and oilseed products as well as encourage local production.
According to section 13, “No person shall import grain, oilseed and products, except for contractors in instances of need. (2) Where the landed import parity price is lower than the local production parity price, the difference shall accrue to the Agricultural Revolving Fund. (3) With effect from 1st April, 2026, all processors must source at least fourty per centum of their annual requirements of grain, oilseed and products locally, and with effect from 1st April, 2028, one hundred per centum of all annual requirements of grain, oilseed and products must be sourced locally.”
Under the approved framework, grain buyers and agro-processors will be required to procure a minimum of 40 percent of their grain requirements from the local market to qualify for imports of up to 60 percent of their requirements.
In practical terms, every one tonne of verified local grain procurement will entitle the buyer to import up to one and a half tonnes.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) will provide overall regulatory and supervisory oversight, while the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX) will provide the online trading, reporting and verification platform responsible for monitoring procurement and import compliance.
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) will provide the backbone storage infrastructure supporting the framework alongside approved private warehouse operators across the country.
AMA chief executive, Ms Alice Mapfiza, said the framework represented an important step towards strengthening structured agricultural markets while balancing local production support and national food security requirements.
“This framework will also enable us to track what is being traded on the formal markets to advise policymakers on grain reserves to influence agriculture season production targets,” she said.
The framework creates a more efficient, transparent and convenient procurement system for agro-processors and grain market participants while deliberately prioritising local grain uptake,” she said.
Through the ZMX platform, agro-processors and contractors will be able to report procurement transactions digitally, track import eligibility in real time and access structured market information and compliance services under one integrated system.
ZMX chief executive, Mr Collen Tapfumaneyi, said the framework would modernise grain market operations through technology – driven verification, reporting and compliance systems.
“The ZMX platform will provide a transparent, efficient and convenient digital ecosystem for agro-processors, contractors, traders and regulators,” he said.
The framework is expected to improve market access for local farmers by creating stronger and more predictable demand for locally produced grain while supporting improved pricing transparency and faster market participation.
In support of inclusive market access and improved farmer participation, ZMX will be rolling out decentralised physical grain auction markets across key agricultural production areas around the country.
The initiative is intended to bring structured markets closer to farmers, reduce transport and access barriers, improve price discovery and enable farmers to conveniently participate in transparent and competitive grain trading systems within their local regions.
Implementation of the framework is expected to commence on June 1, 2026 following stakeholder onboarding and operational rollout activities being coordinated by AMA and ZMX.
Peter Tanyanyiwa