Posted on March, 27, 2025 at 09:11 am
KABWE, ZAMBIA — Bayer AG has opened a €32 million ($34.5 million) maize seed facility in Kabwe, Zambia, that will supply 6.4 million Sub-Saharan African smallholders with high-yielding maize seeds in 2025 and up to 10 million by 2030.
The seed capacity is ultimately expected to support maize consumption and food security for 30 million people in the region, Germany-based Bayer said in its March 19 announcement.
Bayer said the facility will help address food insecurity challenges by increasing both the quantity and quality of available certified seeds, offering higher yields and enhanced resilience to climate and disease for smallholders who often have limited agronomy knowledge and lack modern technology.
“Millions of people around the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, suffer from severe food insecurity,” said Bill Anderson, chief executive officer, Bayer, who inaugurated the site alongside Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. “Ending hunger is central to our mission at Bayer. With our new seed facility in Zambia, we want to make a meaningful contribution to that crucial goal.”
Bayer said it plans to employ 80 permanent staff members and over 100 seasonal workers and contractors at the site. Additionally, approximately 15,000 seasonal on-farm jobs will be generated through Bayer’s field operations and those of contract growers to produce the seeds.
The investment also represents an important business opportunity, Bayer said, with demand for the company’s Dekalb brand hybrids growing considerably and surpassing supply. The new maize facility is a key component of the company’s growth strategy for Africa, with the goal of doubling the Crop Science Division’s business on the continent by 2030.
To this end, another €35 million ($37.7 million) until 2028 is earmarked for further expansion of the seed production network across Sub-Saharan Africa. Bayer said its expertise in maize seed breeding and production holds particular potential because it is a staple food crop in Africa. For example, in Zambia, a maize meal known as “nshima,” constitutes a significant part of the daily diet, providing 60% of caloric needs.
“The new facility will help us improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and support communities in numerous countries on the African continent,” Anderson said. “It’s also a great business opportunity for Bayer. We can’t wait to ramp up production.”
Source: World Grain