Zimbabwe is preparing to introduce a fresh wave of levies on imported grain and oilseed products as Government intensifies efforts to finance irrigation infrastructure, reduce food import dependence and strengthen climate resilience ahead of the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño agricultural season.
According to proposals circulating within the agriculture sector, authorities are considering new import charges across key grain and oilseed products under a broader localisation and food security strategy anchored on Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025.
The proposed measures would include a US$40 per metric tonne levy on maize imports for a 90-day period, while soyabeans would attract a US$20 per metric tonne levy until 31 August 2026.
Soya meal imports would face a US$35 per metric tonne charge over the same period.
Soft wheat imports would attract a US$89.25 per metric tonne levy for 30 days, while hard wheat imports would trigger a similar US$89.25 charge if importers exceed a prescribed 30 percent import threshold under the policy framework.
The proposed levies form part of Government’s broader attempt to push processors, stockfeed manufacturers, millers and food companies toward sourcing more raw materials locally rather than relying heavily on imports.
Authorities say the measures are aligned with the objectives of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which introduced localisation requirements across Zimbabwe’s grain and oilseed sectors.
Under the policy, processors are expected to source at least 40 percent of their grain and oilseed requirements locally by April 2026, with the threshold progressively rising toward full localisation by 2028.
Government officials argue the levies should not be viewed simply as punitive import taxes, but rather as a financing mechanism designed to bridge the gap between import parity prices and local producer prices.
Revenue generated from the levies is expected to flow into the Agricultural Revolving Fund, which authorities say is being used to finance irrigation infrastructure and broader farmer support programmes.
Internal Government reports indicate that approximately US$5.7 million has already been raised through the levy framework, with around US$3.2 million channelled into irrigation development projects covering roughly 850 hectares across 17 irrigation schemes nationwide.
The projects are spread across Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North.
Among the most advanced schemes is Nyaitenga Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland East, reportedly 94 percent complete, with drip irrigation systems, pumps and PVC pipelines already being installed.
Dinhe Irrigation Scheme in Masvingo is said to be 92 percent complete, while Musarurwa and Nyamangara irrigation schemes have reportedly surpassed 80 percent completion and are awaiting power utility ZESA for final energisation.
Other projects include Dotito Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland Central at 77 percent completion, Maparo at 72 percent, Chimhanda at 61 percent and Glen Sommerset at 74 percent.
Mutema Irrigation Scheme in Manicaland, covering approximately 100 hectares, is currently the largest project under the programme and is reported to be just over halfway complete.
Government says the irrigation expansion programme is central to Zimbabwe’s long-term climate resilience strategy as meteorological agencies increasingly warn of elevated risks associated with another severe El Niño cycle during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector remains heavily dependent on rainfall and has repeatedly suffered from drought-induced crop failures, grain shortages and rising food inflation in recent years.
The country spent close to US$1 billion importing grain and oilseed products during the severe 2024 drought season after domestic maize and oilseed production collapsed.
Although harvests improved during the 2025 season following better rains, authorities argue that Zimbabwe remains structurally vulnerable to climate shocks, volatile global commodity prices and foreign currency pressures associated with large-scale food imports.
Officials say expanding irrigation infrastructure is intended to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture while stabilising cereal and oilseed production even during drought years.
According to Government projections, the 850 hectares currently under development could potentially produce about 10,200 metric tonnes of cereals annually across two production cycles.
Authorities estimate the schemes could generate at least US$2.75 million in annual profits, which Government plans to recycle into expanding a further 550 hectares of irrigation infrastructure under a revolving fund model.
The strategy is designed to create what officials describe as a self-financing agricultural infrastructure system where levies imposed on imports are redirected toward building domestic production capacity.
Agricultural economists say the policy reflects growing concern within Government over Zimbabwe’s continued dependence on imported maize, wheat and oilseeds at a time of mounting climate instability and geopolitical uncertainty affecting global food supply chains.
However, the policy remains controversial within parts of the private sector.
Millers, food processors and stockfeed producers have previously warned that aggressive localisation targets introduced before domestic production capacity fully expands could increase raw material costs and eventually push food prices higher for consumers.
Some industry representatives argue that Zimbabwe’s agricultural base has not yet recovered sufficiently to sustain rapid reductions in imports without disrupting supply chains.
Farmer organisations, however, have generally welcomed the framework, arguing that guaranteed markets, protected producer prices and irrigation support could encourage stronger local production and long-term agricultural investment.
Agricultural Marketing Authority officials have defended the levy system as a strategic intervention designed to rebuild domestic agricultural systems weakened by years of droughts, underinvestment and import dependence.
For Government, the broader calculation appears increasingly clear: climate shocks are becoming more frequent, food imports are becoming more expensive, and Zimbabwe can no longer afford to remain heavily dependent on rainfall and imported grain to feed itself.
