Who won the maize lottery?

There is nothing unusual about government buying maize. Every responsible government has a duty to maintain adequate food reserves, especially when millions of citizens remain vulnerable to hunger. Food security is not optional; it is a national obligation.

What is unusual is when a contract worth $20.2 million (about K35 billion) is awarded and the public is left wondering how the winner emerged. The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has reportedly awarded a contract to supply 40 000 metric tonnes of maize to an Indian company, Global Agri Services Private Limited. According to publicly available records, the company was incorporated in March 2024.

There is nothing wrong with a young company winning a contract. Every successful business was once a start-up. But when a company barely two years old secures one of Malawi’s biggest maize supply contracts, it is natural for taxpayers to ask what convinced the evaluation committee that it was the best bidder.

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Those are not unreasonable questions. They are exactly the questions that should accompany any major procurement involving public funds. The NFRA tender documents appear reassuring.

They outline a process requiring bidders to demonstrate experience in grain supply, financial and logistical capacity, access to the required maize quantities, tax compliance and other statutory obligations. The criteria were also clear. Quality standards, verified maize stocks, experience, financial strength and logistical capacity were all important considerations.

The tender documents further required physical verification of maize stocks before awarding the contract. Which is why the unanswered questions deserve attention. The public knows the destination, but not the journey.

How many companies submitted bids? How many met the mandatory requirements? How many were shortlisted?

How did each bidder perform against the published evaluation criteria? What due diligence was conducted on the successful bidder? Were the maize stocks physically verified as required?

These are not accusations against Global Agri Services. Nor are they attempts to undermine its ability to deliver. They are basic questions that arise whenever billions of kwacha in public money are committed.

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