Kabwe, Zambia — In a landmark event for Zambia’s agricultural sector, President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the $35 million Bayer Itaba Seed Plant in Kabwe, Central Province.
The state-of-the-art facility, developed by Bayer AG, is set to transform Zambia’s food security landscape by producing high-quality maize seeds designed to withstand climate challenges and boost agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Zambia’s economy and the importance of equipping farmers with affordable and durable seeds.
“Food security is national security,” he stated passionately. “Ensuring that our farmers have access to quality seeds remains our ultimate focus for economic growth.”
The facility, which triples Bayer’s maize seed production capacity in Zambia, is expected to provide high-yielding seeds to 6.4 million smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa this year, with projections to reach 10 million farmers by 2030. The seeds are engineered for enhanced yield, climate resilience, and disease resistance—key attributes for addressing the region’s food insecurity challenges.
Beyond its agricultural impact, the seed plant is poised to create substantial economic benefits for Kabwe and surrounding communities. The facility will employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers while generating approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs through partnerships with contract growers. Additionally, Bayer has committed to improving local infrastructure by upgrading water systems and establishing a new health center to serve over 10,000 residents.
President Hichilema also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s broader vision for equitable development across Zambia. “Kabwe, like every other part of Zambia, will continue to receive its fair share of national development,” he affirmed. He further addressed the revival of Mulungushi Textiles, promising steady progress toward revitalizing the iconic factory.
The president acknowledged the recent drought that had affected agricultural output and stressed the need for Zambia to embrace irrigation farming and water harvesting as part of its strategy for year-round food production. “We are a farming nation,” he said. “The drought taught us a lesson—we must invest in irrigation and water harvesting to sustain food production throughout the year.”
The commissioning of the Bayer Itaba Seed Plant aligns with Zambia’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience. As the country grapples with global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, this investment represents a significant step forward in empowering farmers and strengthening economic stability.
With this milestone achievement, President Hichilema reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fostering unity and perseverance in Zambia’s journey toward economic transformation. “Together, we shall overcome,” he concluded, expressing gratitude for Zambians’ continued support since his election in 2021.
The Bayer Itaba Seed Plant stands as a beacon of hope—not only for Kabwe but for all of Zambia—signaling progress in agriculture, community development, and food security across Sub-Saharan Africa.
What a great day for 🇩🇪 🇿🇲 relations!
— Anne Wagner-Mitchell (@EmbZambia) March 19, 2025
Today, we commissioned the 35 million USD seed plant of German company @Bayer.
As a regional production hub, the plant will boost food security in the region as well as income, tax and forex generation in #Zambia. #GerZampic.twitter.com/rRhkmjjFNW
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