Tanzania has significantly strengthened its food security, with the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) holding 586,764.4 tonnes of maize, sorghum, and paddy at the end of March 2025, according to the Bank of Tanzania’s Consolidated Zonal Economic Performance Report.
This is up 75 percent from 336,084.1 tonnes in the same quarter last year.
During the quarter, NFRA released 89,766.4 tonnes of food, selling 50,076.5 tonnes to local traders and exporting 39,689.8 tonnes of maize to Zambia.
“These releases and exports show the agency is actively stabilising domestic supply while boosting regional trade,” the report shows.
The Southern Highlands remains the largest contributor to the reserves, holding 266,014.4 tonnes after releasing 47,409.8 tonnes.
The South Eastern zone retained 156,808.9 tonnes following exports.
“Strategic storage in these regions ensures buffer stocks are available where they are most needed,” the report shows.
Stocks in Central, Dar es Salaam, Lake, and Northern zones ranged from 17,362.6 tonnes to 56,171.4 tonnes, maintaining balance across the country.
The Cereals and Other Produce Board held 24,099.9 tonnes for commercial purposes, with maize making up 98.4 percent of the total.
The report also recorded minor transfers between regions, including a net transfer out of 297.4 tonnes from the Southern Highlands, while emphasising that these figures do not include food in transit.
Analysts highlighted that the surge in reserves reflects government efforts to strengthen food security, stabilise markets, and expand Tanzania’s role in regional maize trade.
“Higher stock levels provide a buffer against supply shocks and ensure consistent availability for local consumption and exports,” the report added.
The BoT report signals that Tanzania is now better positioned to manage domestic food supply, support traders, and meet export commitments, demonstrating an increasingly proactive approach to national and regional food security.