Overview & Background

National Milling Corporation Limited (NMC) is Zambia’s leading milling company. Its operations date back before independence and it was initially a government-owned enterprise. It became a standalone company in 1993 and was later privatized during the 1990s, eventually being acquired by the U.S.-based Seaboard Corporation in 1998. The head office is located along Lilayi Road in Lusaka.

Business & Operations

Human Food Products
NMC produces a wide range of products for human consumption, including:

Wheat flour (bread flour, cake flour, brown flour, self-raising flour)

Maize meal under well-known brands such as Mother’s Pride and People’s Pride

Rice and polished rice

Pasta and related products

Animal Feed (Namfeeds)
Through its Namfeeds division, NMC manufactures high-quality stock feed for poultry (broilers, layers, pullets), pigs, cattle, and other livestock. This division is a major player in animal nutrition in Zambia.

Scale & Market Position

Recognized as the largest and most advanced milling company in Zambia.

Operates modern, state-of-the-art milling plants with large-scale capacity.

Maintains a strong retail and distribution network with outlets across key towns nationwide.

Infrastructure & Growth

NMC has invested heavily in expanding and upgrading its facilities, including building new plants and silos to support large-volume processing and ensure consistent product quality.

Challenges & Industry Context

Like many agro-processors, the company faces challenges tied to raw material availability and price fluctuations for key commodities like wheat and maize. It has also been involved in legal and commercial disputes over the years but continues to maintain its market leadership.