$3.5M Aid for Zambia’s Drought victims

Maize donation expected to reach 188,000 people in eight hardest-hit districts.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (20-10-2025) - The Government of the People’s Republic of China has donated US$3.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support households affected by severe drought in Zambia.

The aid will target communities in 18 districts across Southern and Western Provinces and is primarily intended for the procurement of 5,641 metric tonnes of maize. 

The maize is expected to reach 188,000 individuals, representing approximately 37,000 households in eight of the most drought-affected districts, including Mwandi, Lukulu, Sioma, and Sesheke. 

The three-month food supply aims to sustain the most vulnerable households during the peak of the hunger season.

The handover ceremony in Lusaka was attended by Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, Minister of Agriculture Sylvia Masebo representing Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Han Jing, WFP Representative and Country Director Cissy Byenkya-Kabasuuga, and Li Shuyin, Deputy Director General of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE).

The 2025 Vulnerability Assessment Report by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) shows that parts of Southern and Western Provinces experienced severe drought during the last farming season, resulting in widespread crop failure and reduced access to food. 

El Niño-induced dry spells left thousands of families food insecure, dependent on government and humanitarian support to survive until the next harvest.

WFP Representative and Country Director Cissy Byenkya-Kabasuuga described the China donation as “a vital intervention that will help cushion households still reeling from prolonged dry spells and erratic rainfall patterns.” 

She noted that, despite Zambia recording a national surplus in the 2025 harvest season, several districts remain in distress due to uneven rainfall and extended dry spells during the 2024–2025 farming period.

Byenkya-Kabasuuga emphasized that the maize distributed through the program will be procured locally from surplus-producing regions. 

“Local procurement not only guarantees faster response but also strengthens the local economy by creating market access for farmers. It enhances resilience, encourages local trade, and ensures that support reaches affected areas in the shortest possible time,” she said. 

She added that WFP, working in partnership with the DMMU under the Office of the Vice President, will ensure transparent targeting and fair distribution to reach those most in need.

Minister of Agriculture Sylvia Masebo highlighted that the US$3.5 million donation would be distributed in close coordination with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in reaching the most vulnerable households. 

She emphasized that the assistance is not limited to immediate relief but also strengthens local agricultural production, as the maize will be sourced domestically from surplus-producing regions. 

“Local procurement not only ensures timely delivery but also supports Zambian farmers by creating market opportunities and stimulating rural economies,” Minister Masebo said. 

She added that such initiatives contribute to long-term food security by building national capacity for emergency response and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Chinese Ambassador H.E. Han Jing said the food donation reflects China’s long-standing commitment to Zambia and the broader Global Development Initiative. 

He highlighted China’s previous contributions, including the donation of millions of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, the expansion and handover of Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, provision of essential medical supplies and anti-epidemic equipment, construction of water infrastructure, and implementation of the Smart Village Pilot Project, providing internet access and digital education to local communities.

Ambassador Han noted that China remains committed to mobilizing resources through multiple channels to support Zambia’s development, including infrastructure, health, and education projects. 

He said, “This food assistance program, jointly implemented by China, Zambia, and WFP, represents a new model that integrates bilateral aid into a broader, more systemic approach, ensuring transparency, long-term benefits, and better coordination.” 

He also highlighted the historical China–Zambia partnership, which has lasted over 61 years, and thanked Zambia for its support in 1971 toward the adoption of UN Resolution 2758, which restored China’s legitimate seat in the United Nations.

Vice President Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango stressed that food security is central to national development. 

“This assistance is not just about filling stomachs; it is about nutrition that sustains life, promotes growth, and strengthens productivity,” she said. 

She emphasized the importance of nutrition-sensitive programs for children, expectant mothers, and communities in need.

 The Vice President also highlighted the connection between food security and long-term resilience, calling for investments in climate-smart agriculture, reforestation, disaster preparedness, and community resilience-building to reduce vulnerability to future climate shocks. 

She praised the partnership with China and WFP as a demonstration of international solidarity, emphasizing that friendship is measured by action during times of need.

 “The generosity of the Government of China and WFP is a lifeline for our people at a time of exceptional need. 

This partnership demonstrates the tangible results that can be achieved through cooperation, shared responsibility, and strategic investment in human capital,” Mutale Nalumango said.

Li Shuyin, Deputy Director General of CICETE, reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting food security and sustainable development across Africa. 

She highlighted China’s track record in implementing over 1,000 international cooperation projects, including nearly 100 humanitarian and emergency assistance programs, and 57 collaborations with WFP across more than 40 countries, with investments exceeding US$100 million.

 “Without food security, there can be no sustainable development. China is committed to implementing high-quality and efficient food assistance projects that prioritize the most vulnerable communities, particularly in Africa,” Li said. 

She noted that China’s support to Zambia forms part of its broader commitment to helping developing nations overcome poverty, hunger, and climate change.

Officials said the China–WFP project will help bridge critical food gaps, stabilize household nutrition, and support recovery efforts at a time when climate change continues to threaten livelihoods and agricultural productivity. 

Local procurement of maize is expected to support farmers, stimulate rural economies, reduce delivery costs, and strengthen national capacity. 

Analysts describe this as a shift toward localized humanitarian response mechanisms that build resilience while avoiding disruption to local markets. 

The three-month implementation period will focus on rapid food distribution, monitoring, and coordination with local authorities to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Byenkya-Kabasuuga reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to ensuring that every person, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas, has access to sufficient, nutritious food all year round. 

Li echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that collaboration between China, WFP, and Zambia demonstrates the power of international partnerships in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. 

China’s partnership with WFP represents part of its South–South Cooperation framework, providing technical expertise, training, and humanitarian assistance to developing nations. 

The initiative strengthens Zambia’s capacity to respond to emergencies while promoting sustainable agricultural development and food sovereignty.