China-built milling plants delivered to Zambia

The mealie meals milling plants built with assistance from China were officially delivered to Zambia at a ceremony at the latter's capital Lusaka on June 3.

Du Xiaohui, Chinese ambassador to Zambia, and Ambrose Lufuma, Zambia's defense minister, attended the delivery ceremony.

Lufuma thanked the Chinese government for its assistance and said the milling plants are of great significance for Zambian food security and people's livelihoods. Du said that the completion and delivery of the project is another milestone of the friendship between China and Zambia. Over the years, the Chinese government has been committed to supporting Zambia's agricultural development and food security through various forms. Du added he looked forward to further strengthening the agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The mealie meals milling plants, constructed by China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach), held a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2019 and were completed in January 2022.

There are three plants in the project. The plant in Lusaka is able to process 40 tons of maize per day and provide 50 jobs, and the two other plants, one in Southern province's Monze district and the other in Muchinga province's Mpika district, are capable of processing 240 tons of maize per day and providing 250 jobs each.

After the delivery, China will also provide technical support to Zambia for three years.