The Government of Zambia is facilitating the development of an Edible Oils Strategy to boost national oilseeds production and value addition. Zambia is currently relying on imported edible oils, which are killing the local industry, taking jobs and income from farmers.
Who makes edible oils in Zambia?
Multinational corporations produce the majority of edible oils in Zambia and small-scale businesses have a smaller stake in the industry. Farmers, both small-scale and commercial, have been affected by the market volatility resulting from a glut in imported edible oils.
Are edible oils a problem in Zambia?
A 2013 National Consumption Requirement Study for Edible Oils in Zambia, commissioned by ZNFU, found that, despite the industry’s immense potential to produce edible oils, it was failing to compete with imported oils which were landed cheaply and often of questionable quality.