Published: 1 hour ago

The High Court has struck the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe's (GMAZ) urgent application challenging Government's grain import levy framework off the urgent roll, allowing the measures to remain in force as authorities continue efforts to support local agriculture and reduce reliance on imports.

In a ruling handed down by the Commercial Division of the High Court in Harare under case number HCH435/26, Justice Lucy Mungwari ruled that the matter did not meet the threshold for urgency and ordered that it be removed from the urgent roll.

The application, filed by GMAZ under the leadership of chairman Tafadzwa Musarara, sought to halt the implementation of the grain levy framework introduced through Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025.

Government maintains that the levy system is designed to protect local farmers, finance irrigation development and strengthen domestic grain production as part of broader import substitution and food security initiatives.

The respondents cited in the matter included the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA), the Ministers of Agriculture, Finance, Justice and Industry and Commerce, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) and the Attorney-General.

The ruling represents a significant setback for GMAZ's efforts to urgently suspend the levy framework, which continues to enjoy support from Government, agricultural stakeholders and farmer organisations.

Treasury has also reaffirmed its backing of the policy. In correspondence dated April 30, 2026, Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga endorsed the continued application of levies and charges linked to grain imports under revised grain marketing arrangements for the 2025/26 summer season.

According to Treasury, disparities between the pricing of imported grain and locally produced commodities have implications for producer viability, import substitution and macroeconomic stability.

Under the framework, the Agricultural Marketing Authority has been designated as the collecting agent for the levies, with revenues earmarked for farmer payments through the Grain Marketing Board and the development of smallholder irrigation infrastructure.

Legal experts say the measures are supported by provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Authority Act, which empowers authorities to impose and collect levies aimed at promoting agricultural development and food security.

They argue that the framework forms part of a wider strategy to stimulate local grain production, protect domestic farmers and reduce the country's dependence on imports.

Authorities say approximately US$5.7 million has already been raised through the levy system, with part of the funds being directed towards irrigation projects across several provinces.

The policy has also received support from farmer unions and indigenous millers, who argue that Zimbabwe must prioritise local production and reduce its reliance on imported grain.

The Indigenous Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (IGMAZ) welcomed the High Court ruling, describing it as a positive development for the country's agricultural transformation agenda.

IGMAZ said the decision helps safeguard the gains of the Land Reform Programme while supporting Government efforts to strengthen food security, expand irrigation infrastructure and promote industrialisation through increased local production.

Government officials maintain that the levy framework is necessary to reduce the country's growing import bill and build resilience against future climate-related agricultural risks.
- newsday

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