Blue Ribbon and 23 others shut down in Bulawayo

Blue Ribbon, one of Zimbabwe's largest millers, and 23 other milling companies have ceased operations in Bulawayo, citing a scarcity of domestically grown maize for the southern region. The shutdown affects the supply of maize meal, a staple food in Zimbabwe, and the southern region depends on this local production for its food needs, creating a critical situation. The Grain Millers Association, which represents over 100 millers nationwide, sent a letter to the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Bulawayo's Minister of State. The letter notifies the government of the shutdown and the maize scarcity, urging immediate action to resolve the crisis and restore milling operations. The ongoing shutdown threatens food security in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. The Grain Millers Association has called for immediate government intervention to address the ongoing maize scarcity and ensure the full resumption of their milling activities.