The Food Reserve Act, 2026

THE FOOD RESERVE ACT, 2026
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Section
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title and commencement
2. Interpretation
PART II
THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY
3. Continuation of Food Reserve Agency
4. Seal of Agency
5. Functions of Agency
6. Constitution of Board
7. Functions of Board
8. Tenure of office for members and vacancy
9. Proceedings of Board
10. Committees
11. Allowances
12. Disclosure of interest
13. Prohibition of disclosure of information
14. Executive Director, Secretary and other staff
15. Immunity
PART III
THE NATIONAL FOOD RESERVE
16. Continuation of National Strategic Food Reserve
17. Role of Minister in National Strategic Food Reserve
18. Designation of agricultural commodities
19. Purchase of designated agricultural commodities
20. Sale of designated agricultural commodity
21. Receipt of donation of designated agriculture commodity and
non-designated agricultural commodity
22. Aid to foreign country
23. Standard of designated agricultural commodity
24. Offence and penalty for misrepresenting
[No. 6 of 2026 187Food Reserve
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101, Lusaka, Price K48.00 each

[No. 6 of 2026 187Food Reserve
Single copies of this Act may be obtained from the Government Printer,
P.O. Box 30136, 10101, Lusaka, Price K48.00 each

PART IV
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
25. Funds of Agency
26. Financial year
27. Accounts and audited accounts
28. Annual Report
PART V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
29. Power to inspect records
30. Restricted area
31. Offence by principal officers of body corporate or unincorporate
body
32. Regulations
33. Repeal of Act No. 6 of 2020 and savings and transitional
provisions
SCHEDULE
188 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

or unincorporate
body
32. Regulations
33. Repeal of Act No. 6 of 2020 and savings and transitional
provisions
SCHEDULE
188 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

Date of Assent: 31st March, 2026
An Act to continue the existence of the Food Reserve
Agency and re-define its functions; re constitute the Board
of the Agency and re-define its functions, continue the
existence of the National Strategic Food Reserve; ensure
national food security by maintaining sufficient levels of
designated agricultural commodities to respond and
provide food relief during emergencies or market and
economic shocks; provide for the power of the Minister
to designate agricultural commodities that are essential
for food security; provide for the purchase of designated
agricultural commodities by the Agency for purposes of
the National Strategic Food Reserve; provide
mechanisms for collaboration and cooperation with
relevant regulatory and advisory agencies to ensure
exchange of agricultural marketing information and the
stabilisation of agricultural markets; repeal and replace
the Food Reserve Act, 2020; and provide for matters
connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing. [8th April, 2026
ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia. PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1.

de for matters
connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing. [8th April, 2026
ENACTED by the Parliament of Zambia. PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1.

This Act may be cited as the Food Reserve Act, 2026, and
shall come into operation on the date appointed by the Minister by
statutory instrument. Enactment
Short title
and
commence-
ment
[No. 6 of 2026 189Food Reserve
GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
ACT
No. 6 of 2026

y the Minister by
statutory instrument. Enactment
Short title
and
commence-
ment
[No. 6 of 2026 189Food Reserve
GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA
ACT
No. 6 of 2026

Act No.18 of
2024
2.

Act No.18 of
2024
2.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
“Agency” means the Food Reserve Agency continued under
section 3;
“agricultural commodity” means any cereal, oilseed, stockfeed
and other agricultural food product derived from farming;
“Agricultural Market Observatory” has the meaning assigned
to the words under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 2026;
“agricultural marketing” means services involved in moving
an agricultural product from production to consumption,
including planning, production, harvesting, grading,
inspection, certification, packaging, application of
standards, transportation, storage, processing, distribution
and sale;
“agricultural marketing mechanisms” means the processes
and systems that enable market players to buy, sale and
distribute agricultural commodities;
“associate” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti
Corruption Act;
“Board” means the Board of the Agency constituted under
section 6;
“cereals” means food grain and includes wheat, rice, barley,
maize, millet and sorghum;
“Chairperson” means a person elected as Chairperson of the
Board under section 6;
“climate change” has the meaning assigned to the words in
the Green Economy and Climate Change Act, 2024;
“commodity exchange” has the meaning assigned to the words
in the Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts Act,
2026;
“community sales” means the structured distribution and sale
of an agricultural commodity by the Agency at afforable
prices directly to—
(a) institutions that provide essential public and social
services; and
(b) vulnerable groups to make agricultural commodities
available;
Act No.

to—
(a) institutions that provide essential public and social
services; and
(b) vulnerable groups to make agricultural commodities
available;
Act No.

8 of
2026
Act No. 7 of
2026
190 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Interpretation
Cap. 91

8 of
2026
Act No. 7 of
2026
190 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Interpretation
Cap. 91

“Consolidated Fund” means the Consolidated Fund established
under the Constitution;
“crop forecasting” means the process of predicting future
yields of crops, before harvest, using various data and
techniques, so as to make informed decisions on resource
management, marketing strategies and food security;
“designated agricultural commodity” means any cereal,
oilseed, stockfeed and other agricultural commodity
designated by the Minister as being essential for food
security under section 18, which forms part of the National
Strategic Food Reserve;
“domestic market” means a market within the Republic where
agricultural commodities are produced, purchased and sold;
“emergency” means an emergency declared under the
Constitution and in accordance the Water Resources
Management Act or the Disaster Management Act;
“emoluments” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Constitution;
“Emoluments Commission” means the Emoluments
Commission established under the Constitution;
“Executive Director” means a person appointed as Executive
Director under section 14;
“food security” means access by all individuals to sufficient
food of adequate quality and quantity for a healthy and
active life;
“food shortage” means a status where a natural or man-made
disaster or any other phenomena leads to a situation in
which a community or individuals cannot meet their food
needs through their own production or purchase from open
markets;
“legally disqualified” means the absence of legal capacity as
provided in section 4 of the Mental Health Act;
“market player” means a person or entity dealing in an
agricultural product, and includes—
(a) an agricultural producer organisations and
cooperatives;
(b) processors, producers and producer-processors,
Cap.

ricultural product, and includes—
(a) an agricultural producer organisations and
cooperatives;
(b) processors, producers and producer-processors,
Cap.

1
Cap. 1
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Cap. 305
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Cap. 198
Cap. 132

1
Cap. 1
[No. 6 of 2026 191Food Reserve
Cap. 305
Cap. 1
Cap. 1
Cap. 198
Cap. 132

Cap.1
Cap. 347
(c) input suppliers;
(d) vendors and retailers;
(e) marketing agents and transporters;
(f) graders;
(g) aggregators, brokers and traders;
(h) millers or packagers;
(i) importers and exporters;
(j) warehouse operators and storage providers;
(k) market facility managers;
(l) digital or online platforms facilitating agricultural
marketing; and
(m) any other participant in the marketing chain, as
may be prescribed by the Minister.

l or online platforms facilitating agricultural
marketing; and
(m) any other participant in the marketing chain, as
may be prescribed by the Minister.

“marketing season” means the period from 1st May in each
year to 30th April of the following year;
“National Food Balance Sheet” means an annual and
comprehensive compilation of selected food supply and
demand for the Republic, for a specific period compiled
by the Ministry responsible for agriculture in collaboration
with the Zambia Statistics Agency;
“National Strategic Food Reserve” means an inventory or
stockpile of designated agricultural products operated and
maintained by the Agency, in accordance with section
16, for purposes specified in that section;
“processor” means a person who converts or transforms,
on a commercial scale, a designated agricultural product
into a finished or semi finished product;
“producer” means a person who grows a designated
agricultural commodity;
“ property” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Constitution;
“public body” has the meaning assigned to the words in the
Public Finance Management Act;
192 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

he word in the
Constitution;
“public body” has the meaning assigned to the words in the
Public Finance Management Act;
192 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

“Public-Private Partnership” has the meaning assigned to the
words in the Public-Private Partnership Act, 2023;
“purchaser” means a person who directly or indirectly
purchases for oneself, or for another person, a designated
agricultural product;
“regulatory agency” means a public body that regulates a
specific part of the agriculture sector, regional and urban
planning, standards, competition and consumer protection,
collection, storage and dissemination of agricultural
information and data, metrological information, disaster
management, water resources management, the
environment, public private partnerships or other activity
impacting or dependent on the agriculture sector;
“relative” has the meaning assigned to the word in the Anti
Corruption Act;
“repealed Act” means the Food Reserve Act, 2020;
“Secretary” means the person appointed as Secretary of the
Agency under section 14;
“shortfall” means the non availability of a sufficient quantity
of a designated agricultural commodity supplied through
domestic production, food stocks or imports as defined in
the National Food Balance Sheet;
“stock management mechanisms” means the process, system
and strategy used to manage and control—
(a) stock levels;
(b) track stock movement; and
(c) optimise inventory stock levels;
“stock rotation” means a systematic process by which the
Agency disposes of older agricultural commodities from
the National Strategic Food Reserve and replaces it with
fresh stocks of the same commodity;
“trader” means a person who, as broker, dealer, marketing
company, or other purchaser, acquires any designated
agricultural commodity from a producer or other person
through a purchase or otherwise, for the purpose of resale;
“Vice-Chairperson” means the person elected as Vice-
Chairperson of the Agency under section 6;
Act No.

chase or otherwise, for the purpose of resale;
“Vice-Chairperson” means the person elected as Vice-
Chairperson of the Agency under section 6;
Act No.

18
of 2023
Cap. 91
Act No. 6 of
2020
[No. 6 of 2026 193Food Reserve

18
of 2023
Cap. 91
Act No. 6 of
2020
[No. 6 of 2026 193Food Reserve

Cap. 127
Continuation
of Food
Reserve
Agency
Seal of
Agency
“warehouse” has the meaning assigned to the word in the
Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts Act, 2026;
“Warehousing Licensing Authority” has the meaning assigned
to the words in the Agricultural Credits and Warehouse
Receipts Act, 2026;
“Zambia Agricultural Marketing Council” means the Zambia
Agricultural Marketing Council established under the
Agricultural Marketing Act, 2026;
“Zambia Bureau of Standards” means the Zambia Bureau
of Standards established under the Standards Act;
“Zambia Metrology Agency” means the Zambia Metrology
Agency established under the Metrology Act; and
“Zambia Statistics Agency” means the Zambia Statistics
Agency established under the Statistics Act. PART II
THE FOOD RESERVE AGENCY
3. The Food Reserve Agency established under the repealed
Act is continued as if established under this Act as a body corporate
with perpetual succession and a common seal, capable of suing
and being sued in its corporate name and with power, subject to
the provisions of this Act, to do all such acts and things that a body
corporate may, by law, do or perform. 4.

porate name and with power, subject to
the provisions of this Act, to do all such acts and things that a body
corporate may, by law, do or perform. 4.

(1) The seal of the Agency shall be a device that may be
determined by the Agency and shall be kept by the Executive
Director. (2) The affixing of the seal shall be authenticated by the
Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson and the Executive Director
or any other person authorised in that behalf by a resolution of the
Board. (3) A contract or instrument which, if entered into or executed
by a person not being a body corporate, is not required to be under
seal, may be entered into or executed without seal on behalf of the
Agency by the Executive Director or any other person authorised
in that behalf by a resolution of the Board. (4) A document purporting to be a document under the seal of
the Agency or issued on behalf of the Agency shall be received in
evidence and considered to be so executed or issued, without further
proof, unless the contrary is proved. Act No. 7 of
2026
Act No. 7 of
2026
Act No. 8 of
2026
Cap. 416
194 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Cap. 403

further
proof, unless the contrary is proved. Act No. 7 of
2026
Act No. 7 of
2026
Act No. 8 of
2026
Cap. 416
194 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Cap. 403

Constitution
of Board
5. (1) The Agency shall manage the National Strategic Food
Reserve in a cost effective and transparent manner.

Constitution
of Board
5. (1) The Agency shall manage the National Strategic Food
Reserve in a cost effective and transparent manner.

(2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of
the Agency are to—
(a) manage the National Strategic Food Reserve in amanner
that minimises market distortions;
(b) ensure national food security;
(c) ensure effectiveness and transparency in the
procurementof designated agricultural commodities;
(d) dispose of designated agricultural commodities by stock
management mechanisms;
(e) establish a pricing model for restocking the National
Strategic Food Reserve based on prevailing market rates
in different geographical areas in the country;
(f) collaborate with other regulatory agencies in the
performance of the Agency’s functions;
(g) purchase designated agricultural commodities from farmers
and other market players prioritising rural areas;
(h) sell a designated agricultural commodity as specified under
this Act;
(i) operate grain silos, depots, and warehouses to store
designated agricultural commodities for the purposes of
maintaining strategic food reserves; and
(j) advise the Minister on matters relating to the National
Strategic Food Reserve. 6.

es for the purposes of
maintaining strategic food reserves; and
(j) advise the Minister on matters relating to the National
Strategic Food Reserve. 6.

(1) There is constituted a Board of the Agency which
consists of the following part time members, appointed by the
Minister:
(a) a representative each of the ministry responsible for —
(i) agriculture;
(ii) finance; and
(iii) commerce, trade and industry;
(b) a representative of the Attorney General;
(c) a representative each of an association representing—
Functions of
Agency
[No. 6 of 2026 195Food Reserve

a representative of the Attorney General;
(c) a representative each of an association representing—
Functions of
Agency
[No. 6 of 2026 195Food Reserve

Functions of
Board
(i) small scale farmers;
(ii) large scale farmers;
(iii) millers; and
(iv) grain traders; and
(d) one person, from the private sector, with proven
knowledge and experience in matters relevant to this
Act. (2) The ministries, institutions and organisations referred to in
subsection (1)(a), (b) and (c) shall nominate their representatives
for appointment by the Minister. (3) Subject to subsection (4), the members of the Board shall
elect the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from among
themselves. (4) The Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson shall not be elected
from the members specified in subsection (1)(a) and (b). (5) The representatives specified in subsection (1)(c), shall
qualify to be appointed as members of the Board, if the
representatives possess knowledge and experience relevant to the
functions of the Agency, under this Act.

be appointed as members of the Board, if the
representatives possess knowledge and experience relevant to the
functions of the Agency, under this Act.

(6) A person shall not be nominated or appointed as a member
of the Board if that person is—
(a) an undischarged bankrupt;
(b) not a citizen;
(c) an employee of the Agency;
(d) convicted of an offence under this Act or any written law
and is sentenced to imprisonment for a period exceeding
six months, without the option of a fine;
(e) legally disqualified;
(f) a member of the Zambia Agricultural Marketing Council; or
(g) a member of the Board of the Warehousing Licensing
Authority. 7. (1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, the Board
shall perform the functions of the Agency and provide strategic
policy direction to the Agency. 196 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

of this Act, the Board
shall perform the functions of the Agency and provide strategic
policy direction to the Agency. 196 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

(2) Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of
the Board are to—
(a) approve policies, programmes and strategies of the Agency;
(b) approve the annual budget estimates and financial
statements of the Agency;
(c) approve the annual work plan, action plans and activity
reports of the Agency;
(d) monitor and evaluate the performance of the Agency
against budgets and plans; and
(e) promote effective corporate governance of the Agency. (3) The Board may, by direction in writing and on conditions
that the Board considers necessary, delegate to the Executive
Director any of the Board’s functions under this Act. (4) A delegation made in accordance with subsection (3) shall
not prevent the Board from performing the function so delegated. (5) The Minister may give to the Board general or specific
directions relating to the performance of the Board’s functions and
the Board shall give effect to those directions to the extent that
they are not inconsistent with this Act or any other written law. 8.

functions and
the Board shall give effect to those directions to the extent that
they are not inconsistent with this Act or any other written law. 8.

(1) A member of the Board shall, subject to other provisions
of this Act, hold office for a term of three years from the date of
appointment and may be re-appointed for a further and final term
of three years. (2) A member of the Board shall, on the expiration of the term
for which the member is appointed, continue to hold office until
another member is appointed, but in no case shall an extension of
the period exceed three months. (3) The office of a member of the Board shall become vacant,
if the member—
(a) dies;
(b) is adjudged bankrupt;
(c) is absent, without reasonable excuse, from three
consecutive meetings of the Board, of which the member
has had notice, without the prior approval of the Board;
[No. 6 of 2026 197Food Reserve
Tenure of
office for
members and
vacancy

, of which the member
has had notice, without the prior approval of the Board;
[No. 6 of 2026 197Food Reserve
Tenure of
office for
members and
vacancy

Proceedings
of Board
(d) resigns by giving one month’s notice in writing, to the
Minister;
(e) is legally disqualified from performing the functions of a
member;
(f) is found guilty of professional misconduct;
(g) is convicted of an offence under this Act or any written
law and is sentenced to imprisonment for a term
exceeding six months, without the option of a fine; or
(h) ceases to be a representative of the ministry, institution,
or organisation that nominated that member. (4) The Minister shall, where the office of a member of the
Board becomes vacant before the expiry of the term of office,
appoint another member in place of that member, but that member
shall hold office as a member of the Board only for the unexpired
part of the term of the Board. 9. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board may
regulate its own procedure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of business at
least once every three months at a place and time that the
Chairperson may determine.

ure. (2) The Board shall meet for the transaction of business at
least once every three months at a place and time that the
Chairperson may determine.

(3) The Chairperson shall, on giving notice of not less than
fourteen days, call for a meeting of the Board, or where one third
or more of the members of the Board so request, in writing, except
that if the urgency of a particular matter does not permit the giving
of a notice, a special meeting may be called on giving a shorter
notice. (4) Five members shall form a quorum at a meeting of the
Board. (5) There shall preside at a meeting of the Board—
(a) the Chairperson;
(b) in the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson;
or
(c) in the absence of the Chairperson and the Vice-
Chairperson, a member of the Board as the members
of the Board present may elect for the purpose of that
meeting. 198 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

ice-
Chairperson, a member of the Board as the members
of the Board present may elect for the purpose of that
meeting. 198 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

(6) A decision of the Board on any question shall be by a
majority of members present and voting at the meeting and, in the
event of an equality of votes, the person presiding at the meeting
shall have a casting vote in addition to the deliberative vote. (7) A member of the Board may, where a member is for any
reason unable to attend a meeting of the Board, except for a member
referred to under section 6(1)(d), nominate another person, in writing,
from the same ministry, institution or organisation to attend a meeting
in that member’s place and that person shall be deemed to be a
member for the purpose of that meeting. (8) The Board may invite a person whose presence is in the
Board’s opinion, desirable to attend and to participate in the
deliberations of the meeting of the Board but that person shall have
no vote. (9) The Board shall cause minutes to be kept of the proceedings
of every meeting of the Board and any committee of the Board. 10. (1) The Board may, for the purpose of performing the
functions of the Board under this Act, constitute committees and
delegate any of the Board’s functions to the committee as the Board
considers necessary.

ctions of the Board under this Act, constitute committees and
delegate any of the Board’s functions to the committee as the Board
considers necessary.

(2) The Board may appoint as members of a committee persons
who are, or are not, members of the Board, except that at least one
member of the Board shall be a member of a committee. (3) A member of a committee shall hold office for a period
that the Board may determine. (4) A committee may invite a person whose presence is in the
committee’s opinion, desirable to attend and to participate in the
deliberations of the meeting of the committee, but that person shall
have no vote. (5) Subject to any specific or general direction of the Board, a
committee may regulate its own procedure. 11. A member of the Board or any committee of the Board
shall be paid allowances that the Emoluments Commission may, on
recommendation by the Minister, determine. 12. (1) A person who is present at a meeting of the Board or
any committee at which any matter is the subject of consideration
and in which matter that person or that person’s relative or associate
[No. 6 of 2026 199Food Reserve
Allowances
Disclosure of
interest
Committees

ion
and in which matter that person or that person’s relative or associate
[No. 6 of 2026 199Food Reserve
Allowances
Disclosure of
interest
Committees

Prohibition
of disclosure
of
information
Executive
Director,
Secretary
and other
staff
is directly or indirectly interested in a private capacity, shall, as
soon as is practicable after the commencement of the meeting,
declare that interest and shall not, unless the Board or the committee
otherwise directs, take part in any consideration or discussion of,
or vote on, any question relating to that matter. (2) A disclosure of interest made under subsection (1) shall
be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which it is made. 13. (1) A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, given
by, or on behalf of, the Agency, publish or disclose to a person,
other than in the course of that person’s duties, the contents of a
document, communication or information which relates to or which
has come to the knowledge of that person in the course of that
person’s duties under this Act. (2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence
and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred
thousand penalty units.

2) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence
and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five hundred
thousand penalty units.

(3) A person who, having information which to that person’s
knowledge has been published or disclosed in contravention of
subsection (1), unlawfully publishes or communicates the
information to another person, commits an offence and is liable, on
conviction, to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand penalty
units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to
both. 14. (1) The Board shall appoint an Executive Director who
shall be—
(a) the chief executive officer of the Agency; and
(b) responsible for the day to day administration of the Agency
under the direction of the Board;
(2) The Executive Director shall be an ex- officio member of
the Board. (3) The Board shall appoint a Secretary who shall perform
corporate secretarial duties for the Board and other functions that
the Board may determine under the direction of the Board and the
Executive Director. (4) The Board shall appoint other staff of the Agency that the
Board considers necessary for the performance of the functions
of the Agency. (5) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation
200 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

cessary for the performance of the functions
of the Agency. (5) The Emoluments Commission shall, on the recommendation
200 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

of the Board, determine the emoluments of the Executive Director,
Secretary and other staff of the Agency. (6) The Board shall determine the conditions of service, other
than emoluments, of the Executive Director, Secretary and other
staff of the Agency. 15. An action or other proceeding shall not lie or be instituted
against a member of the Board, a committee of the Board or a
member of staff of the Agency for, or in respect of, an act or thing
done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise or
performance of any of the powers, functions or duties conferred
under this Act. PART III
THE NATIONAL STRATEGIC FOOD RESERVE
16. (1) The National Strategic Food Reserve established under
the repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act.

L STRATEGIC FOOD RESERVE
16. (1) The National Strategic Food Reserve established under
the repealed Act is continued as if established under this Act.

(2) The purpose of the National Strategic Food Reserve is to—
(a) ensure availability of designated agricultural commodities
for national food security;
(b) meet domestic shortfalls in the supply of designated
agricultural commodities;
(c) mitigate economic and social hardship of vulnerable
households and individuals identified under the Disaster
Management Act;
(d) meet food shortages caused by an emergency; and
(e) provide aid to a foreign country as specified under section
22. (3) The Agency shall specify the size of the National Strategic
Food Reserves as determined by the Agricultural Marketing Council
under the Agricultural Marketing Act, 2026. 17. (1) The Minister shall, for the purposes of this Act—
(a) approve the quantity and type of a designated agricultural
commodity to be maintained in, sold, traded or issued
from, the National Strategic Food Reserve;
(b) cause the collection of data for the purposes of national
food security;
(c) cause the inspection and verification of stock levels of
designated agricultural commodities; and
[No. 6 of 2025 201Food Reserve
Immunity
Cap.132
Continuation
of National
Strategic
Food
Reserve
Act No.

ls of
designated agricultural commodities; and
[No. 6 of 2025 201Food Reserve
Immunity
Cap.132
Continuation
of National
Strategic
Food
Reserve
Act No.

8 of
2026
Role of
Minister in
National
Strategic
Food
Reserve

8 of
2026
Role of
Minister in
National
Strategic
Food
Reserve

Designation
of
agricultural
commodities
Purchase of
designated
agricultural
commodities
(d) cause the preparation of the National Food Balance Sheet. (2) The Minister may appoint inspectors to perform the
functions under subsection (1)(b) and (c). (3) A person shall not obstruct or refuse to provide information
to an inspector in the performance of the inspector’s function under
subsection (2). (4) A person who contravenes subsection (3) commits an
offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding five years, or to both. 18. The Minister shall, by statutory instrument, in consultation
with the Agency and the Zambia Agricultural Marketing Council,
at least sixty days before 31st of October in each year, designate
agricultural commodities that the Minister considers essential for
food security of the Republic. 19.

s before 31st of October in each year, designate
agricultural commodities that the Minister considers essential for
food security of the Republic. 19.

(1) Subject to subsection (4), the Agency may, for purposes
of maintaining the National Strategic Food Reserve—
(a) purchase designated agricultural commodities from the
domestic market;
(b) import designated agricultural commodities; or
(c) purchase designated agricultural commodities through a
commodity exchange or trading platform. (2) The Agency shall, for the purposes of subsection (1),
purchase designated agricultural commodities at prices that reflect
prevailing market conditions based on benchmarks published by
the Agriculture Market Observatory or other prescribed transparent
pricing mechanism. (3) The Agency shall, in consultation with the Zambia
Agriculture Marketing Council, develop the methodology for
determining the prices referred to under subsection (2). (4) The Agency shall, in purchasing a designated agricultural
commodity from the domestic market, identify, enter and operate
markets in rural areas.

(4) The Agency shall, in purchasing a designated agricultural
commodity from the domestic market, identify, enter and operate
markets in rural areas.

(5) The Agency shall purchase a designated agricultural
commodity, if the Agency publishes, at least thirty days before the
10th of May in each year, in the Gazette and a daily newspaper of
general circulation in the Republic, the Agency’s plan to purchase
the designated agricultural commodity for the next marketing
season. 202 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

on in the Republic, the Agency’s plan to purchase
the designated agricultural commodity for the next marketing
season. 202 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

Receipt of
donation of
designated
agriculture
commodity
and non-
designated
agricultural
commodity
(6) The plan, referred to in subsection (5), shall include
information on the—
(a) quantity of each designated agricultural commodity;
(b) method of procurement;
(C) period of payment for the designated agricultural
commodity; and
(d) areas from which the Agency shall purchase the designated
agricultural commodity. 20. (1) The Agency may sell designated agricultural
commodities from the National Strategic Food Reserve—
(a) for the purposes of stock rotation to ensure the quality
and safety of grain and to prevent spoilage and waste;
(b) as relief food to mitigate the impact of an emergency;
(c) to meet a local shortfall in the supply of a designated
agricultural commodity; or
(d) through community sales. (2) The Agency may, on the recommendation of the Zambia
Agricultural Marketing Council and the direction of the Minister,
export a designated agricultural commodity. (3) The Agency shall, in selling agriculture commodities under
this section, use public auction, commodity exchange or a trading
platform. 21.

modity. (3) The Agency shall, in selling agriculture commodities under
this section, use public auction, commodity exchange or a trading
platform. 21.

The Agency may—
(a) receive as a donation a designated agricultural commodity
or any commodity not designated under this Act as part
of the National Strategic Food Reserve; or
(b) sell any donation received in paragraph (a) in accordance
with this Act. 22. The Agency may, on approval by Cabinet, release an
agricultural commodity from the National Strategic Food Reserve
as aid to a foreign country after an analysis of domestic prices and
stocks. 23. The Agency shall—
(a) use the standards of quality, condition, quantity and grade
of a designated agricultural commodity approved by the
Zambia Bureau of Standards under the Standards Act
and the Compulsory Standards Act to ensure uniformity
and consistency; and
[No. 6 of 2026 203Food Reserve
Sale of
designated
agricultural
commodity
Aid to
foreign
country
Standard of
designated
agricultural
commodity
Cap. 416
Cap. 422

2026 203Food Reserve
Sale of
designated
agricultural
commodity
Aid to
foreign
country
Standard of
designated
agricultural
commodity
Cap. 416
Cap. 422

Offence and
penalty for
misreprese-
nting
Funds of
Agency
Cap. 347
Act No. 15
of 2022
(b) consult the Zambia Metrology Agency in approving the
weighing and measuring equipment used in the purchase
of a designated agricultural commodity in accordance
with the Metrology Act. 24. (1) A person who knowingly sells to the Agency a grade
of a designated agricultural commodity contrary to the standards
approved by the Zambia Bureau of Standards referred to under
section 23 commits an offence. (2) A person convicted of an offence under subsection (1)
shall be liable, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand penalty
units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to
both. PART IV
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
25. (1) The funds of the Agency consist of monies that may—
(a) be appropriated to the Agency by Parliament;
(b) subject to the Public Finance Management Act be
generated from sales of designated agricultural
commodities, for purposes of maintaining, rotating and
securing the National Strategic Food Reserve; or
(c) vest in, or accrue to, the Agency.

ultural
commodities, for purposes of maintaining, rotating and
securing the National Strategic Food Reserve; or
(c) vest in, or accrue to, the Agency.

(2) The Agency may, subject to the approval of the Minister—
(a) accept monies by way of grants or donations from any
source in the Republic and from any source outside the
Republic;
(b) charge and collect fees in respect of programmes,
publications, seminars, consultancy and other services
provided by the Agency; or
(c) lease storage facilities and equipment. (3) The Agency may raise loans in accordance with the Public
Debt Management Act, 2022. (4) There shall be paid from the funds of the Agency—
(a) the salaries, allowances and loans of members of staff of
the Agency;
(b) reasonable travelling, transport and subsistence allowances
for members of the Board or members of any committee
of the Board when engaged in the business of Agency,
at rates that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Minister, determine; and
Cap. 403
204 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

of Agency,
at rates that the Emoluments Commission may, on the
recommendation of the Minister, determine; and
Cap. 403
204 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

(c) any other expenses incurred by the Agency in the
performance of the Agency’s functions. (5) Subject to the Public Finance Management Act the Agency
may, invest in a manner that the Board considers appropriate, funds
of the Agency that it does not immediately require for the
performance of Agency’s functions. 26. The financial year of the Agency shall be a period of twelve
months ending on 31st December in each year. 27. (1) The Board shall cause to be kept proper books of
accounts and other records relating to the accounts of the Agency. (2) The accounts of the Agency shall be audited annually by
the Auditor- General or an auditor appointed by the Auditor- General. (3) The Auditor’s fees shall be paid by the Agency
28. (1) The Agency shall, as soon as practicable, but not later
than ninety days after the end of the financial year, submit to the
Minister a report concerning the activities of the Agency during the
financial year.

an ninety days after the end of the financial year, submit to the
Minister a report concerning the activities of the Agency during the
financial year.

(2) The report referred to in subsection (1) shall include
information on the financial affairs of the Agency and there shall
be appended to the report—
(a) an audited statement of financial position;
(b) an audited statement of comprehensive income and
expenditure;
(c) the quantities and values of all the designated agricultural
commodities purchased and sold during the year;
(d) the cost of purchase, handling, storage and distribution of
designated agricultural commodities;
(e) any loss or subsidy incurred from sales below full cost
recovery of the designated agricultural commodities; and
(f) any other information that the Minister may require. (3) The Minister shall, not later than seven days after the first
sitting of the National Assembly next after receipt of the report
referred to in subsection (1), lay the report before the National
Assembly. (4) The Agency shall, within seven days after the Minister lays
the report before National Assembly in accordance with subsection
(3), publish the report in a newspaper of general circulation in the
Republic and on the website of the Agency. [No. 6 of 2026 205Food Reserve
Cap.

on
(3), publish the report in a newspaper of general circulation in the
Republic and on the website of the Agency. [No. 6 of 2026 205Food Reserve
Cap.

347
Financial
year
Accounts
and
audited
accounts
Annual
Report

347
Financial
year
Accounts
and
audited
accounts
Annual
Report

Power to
inspect
records
Act No. 7 of
2026
Cap. 429
Restricted
area
PART V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
29. Subject to the Agricultural Credits and Warehouse Receipts
Act, 2026, the Agency may, before purchasing a designated
agricultural commodity, inspect relevant records of a market player,
to ascertain if the market player has pledged the designated
agricultural commodity, as security, a charge or lien, registered in
accordance with the Movable Property (Security Interest) Act. 30. (1) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, designate a
storage facility used for the storage of a designated agricultural
commodity as a restricted area. (2) A person who is in a restricted area shall comply with
directions regulating the person’s movements and conduct that may
be given by the Agency. (3) A person who, while in a restricted area fails to comply
with a direction under subsection (2) commits an offence and is
liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand
penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three
years, or to both.

able, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand
penalty units or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three
years, or to both.

(4) A person who is unlawfully found on the premises of a
storage facility designated as a restricted area under subsection
(1), commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not
exceeding three hundred thousand penalty units or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding three years, or to both. 31. Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body
corporate or unincorporate body, with the knowledge, consent or
connivance of the director, manager, shareholder or partner of the
body corporate or unincorporate body, that director, manager,
shareholder or partner is liable, on conviction, to the penalty or
term of imprisonment specified for that offence. 32. (1) The Minister may, by statutory instrument, on the
recommendation of the Agency, make Regulations for the better
carrying out of the provisions of this Act. (2) Despite subsection (1), regulations made under that
subsection may make provisions for—
(a) forms and records for purposes of this Act;
206 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Offence by
principal
officers of
body
corporate or
unincorporate
body
Regulations

nd records for purposes of this Act;
206 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve
Offence by
principal
officers of
body
corporate or
unincorporate
body
Regulations

(b) procedure for purchase and sale of designated agricultural
commodities;
(c) designation of agricultural commodities that are essential
for food security; and
(d) processes and procedures to give effect to this Act.
33. (1) The Food Reserve Act, 2020 is repealed.
(2) Despite subsection (1), the provisions of the Schedule apply
in respect of the matters specified in the Schedule.
[No. 6 of 2026 207Food Reserve
Regulations
Repeal of
Act No. 6 of
2020 and
savings and
transitional
provisions

the matters specified in the Schedule.
[No. 6 of 2026 207Food Reserve
Regulations
Repeal of
Act No. 6 of
2020 and
savings and
transitional
provisions

Interpretation
Member
Transfer of
assets and
liabilities
Staff of
Board
SCHEDULE
(Section 33(2))
1. In this Schedule “former Agency” means the Agency
established under the repealed Act. 2. A person who immediately before the commencement of
this Act held office as a member of the Board of the former Agency
shall continue to hold office as a member for a period of three
months after which the Minister shall appoint the members of the
Board in accordance with this Act. 3. (1) For the avoidance of doubt a person who, before the
commencement of this Act, was an officer or employee of the
former Agency, shall continue to be an officer or employee of the
Agency, as if appointed or employed under this Act. (2) The service of the persons referred to in subparagraph
(1) shall be treated as continuous service. (3) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any
person employed or appointed by the former Agency before this
Act comes into force. 4.

) Nothing in this Act affects the rights and liabilities of any
person employed or appointed by the former Agency before this
Act comes into force. 4.

(1) On or after the commencement of this Act, there shall
be transferred to, vest in and subsist against the Agency by virtue
of this Act and without further assurance, all assets, rights and
obligations which immediately before that date were the assets,
rights, liabilities and obligations of the former Agency. (2) Subject to subparagraph (1), every deed, bond and
agreement, other than an agreement for personnel service, to which
the former Agency was a party immediately before the
commencement of this Act whether or not of a nature that rights,
liabilities and obligations could be assigned, shall unless its subject
matter or terms make it impossible that it should have effect as
modified, as provided under this paragraph, have effect as if —
(a) the Agency had been party to it;
(b) for any reference to the former Agency there was
substituted, with respect to anything falling to be done
on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference
to the Agency; or
(c) for any reference to any officer of the former Agency,
not being a party to it and beneficially interested, there
208 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

(c) for any reference to any officer of the former Agency,
not being a party to it and beneficially interested, there
208 No. 6 of 2026] Food Reserve

were substituted, as respects anything falling to be done
on or after the commencement of this Act, a reference
to that officer of the Agency, that it shall designate. (3) Where under this Act, any assets, rights, liabilities and
obligations of the former Agency are deemed to be transferred to
the Agency in respect of which transfer a written law provided for
registration, the Agency shall make an application, in writing, to the
appropriate registration authority for registration of the transfer. (4) The registration authority referred to in subparagraph (3),
shall make entries in the appropriate register as shall give effect to
the transfer and where applicable certificate of title in respect of
the property or make necessary amendments to the register and
shall endorse the deeds relating to the title, right or obligation
concerned and no registration fees or other duties shall be payable
in respect of the transaction. 5. (1) Any legal proceedings or application of the former Agency
pending immediately before the commencement of this Act by or
against the former Agency may be continued by or against the
Agency.

f the former Agency
pending immediately before the commencement of this Act by or
against the former Agency may be continued by or against the
Agency.

(2) After the commencement of this Act, proceedings in respect
of any right, liability or obligation which was vested in, held, enjoyed,
incurred or suffered by the former Agency, may be instituted by or
against the Agency. Legal
proceedings
[No. 6 of 2026 209Food Reserve

210