Egypt has begun shutting down local wheat collection centers ahead of schedule, signaling that the country’s 2025 wheat harvest season is nearing its end—with total local purchases falling short of government targets. This development comes as Africa’s most populous nation grapples with high inflation, a weakening currency, and the rising cost of global food imports.

According to a supply ministry document seen by Reuters, the government is now gradually closing some grain procurement points due to low delivery volumes from farmers. The closures indicate that the local harvest season, which began in mid-April and was originally set to run through mid-August, is winding down early.

The government had aimed to procure between 4 and 5 million metric tons of wheat from the local harvest, which officials had estimated would yield around 10 million tons. However, as of Saturday, June 28, just over 3.9 million tons had been collected, according to a second official document also reviewed by Reuters.

The Ministry of Supply noted that collection centres which fail to receive wheat for three to five consecutive days will be closed permanently for the season.

This procurement shortfall comes at a critical time for Egypt, which operates one of the largest food subsidy programmes in the world, supplying heavily subsidised bread to nearly 70 million citizens. Wheat is the cornerstone of this system, making procurement—both domestic and international—a matter of national security and political stability.

Egypt, traditionally one of the world’s largest wheat importers, typically supplements local harvests with around 5 million tons of imports annually to maintain its strategic reserves. However, officials revealed last week that import volumes in the first half of 2025 have also lagged behind those of the previous year, raising further concerns about supply adequacy.

Despite the domestic procurement gap and slower imports, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly sought to reassure the public earlier this month, stating that Egypt still holds strategic reserves of wheat and other essential commodities sufficient for more than six months.

“We have enough wheat reserves to last beyond half a year,” Madbouly said, in an attempt to calm fears over potential shortages.

Still, the early shutdown of collection centres and the gap between targeted and actual procurement figures may reflect deeper issues within the agriculture sector, including:

Pricing disputes between the government and farmers

Input cost inflation

Logistical bottlenecks

The broader impact of Egypt’s ongoing economic reforms

For Egyptian farmers, some of whom have expressed frustration over procurement prices and delayed payments, the early closure of collection points is yet another challenge in an already difficult season.

Meanwhile, international wheat markets are closely watching developments in Egypt, as shifts in procurement and import activity from such a major buyer can impact global grain prices.

As Egypt navigates these challenges, policymakers face a delicate balancing act—between supporting domestic production, ensuring food affordability, and maintaining economic stability in a turbulent global environment.

The outcome of this year’s wheat procurement drive may well shape not just food security policies, but also public sentiment, in the months leading up to the next harvest cycle.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, has reignited political tensions by urging the Democratic Alliance (DA) to exit South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), suggesting that his party is ready to step in and assume a role in the governing coalition.

Malema’s latest remarks come in response to the DA’s recent threats to withdraw from the National Dialogue, following the removal of DA MP Andrew Whitfield from his position as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The DA accused Ramaphosa of acting unilaterally and failing to address corruption within the African National Congress (ANC), which it claims undermines the purpose of the GNU. The party further criticised the president for allegedly protecting corrupt ministers while removing DA representatives without cause.

Malema seized the moment to question the DA’s commitment to democratic values and its rationale for entering the GNU in the first place.

“If the DA was anti-corrupt and pro-poor, they should have allowed the ANC to govern as a minority party. Nothing was forcing them into government. They should have stood outside and allowed the ANC to constitute its government and continue to oppose the ANC if they want to do so,” Malema said.

The EFF leader argued that the DA cannot both be in government and oppose it, calling their stance hypocritical.

“You cannot oppose the government you are part of. They are in government and whatever decision President Ramaphosa takes… they are part of that decision because they are part of this mess,” he added.

In a scathing critique of the DA’s conduct in the GNU, Malema stressed the need to respect presidential authority and government protocols.

“There is a president here, whether they like it or not… they voted for him and they must respect government protocols. If they don’t want that, they must step out and let the ANC do its own mess and we all oppose it collectively,” he said.

He went further, describing the DA’s objections as performative and disruptive:

“There is no reason to complain because they knew they were going into a marriage with the ANC corrupt government… these are unnecessary threats,” Malema said.

He also criticised DA representatives who act outside of official channels, referring to recent international travel arrangements allegedly made without presidential approval.

“How do you travel overseas without the permission of the president?.. That is not the government! That is anarchy!” Malema declared.

While criticising the DA’s role in the GNU, Malema hinted that the EFF is poised to take up space in government, should the alliance between the ANC and the DA collapse.

“We are waiting. We are going to enter this government, we are just waiting. When they start fighting with Helen Zille, siyangena (we are entering),” he stated.

Malema reiterated the EFF’s readiness to assume governing responsibility:

“We are patiently waiting for the DA to leave the GNU so that we can participate in government,” he added, suggesting that the current coalition is unstable and ripe for reconfiguration.

Political analyst Dr. John Molepo noted that Malema’s remarks could significantly affect the coalition’s stability.

“The DA’s decision to threaten withdrawal from the National Dialogue has already created tension within the coalition, and Malema’s remarks are likely to exacerbate the situation,” Molepo said.

Observers see Malema’s comments not only as a challenge to the DA but also as strategic political positioning by the EFF to expand its influence within the national government. With the ANC governing without a majority and the GNU showing signs of strain, Malema appears to be laying the groundwork for a reshuffled alliance in which the EFF plays a pivotal role.

As South Africa’s coalition politics continue to evolve, Malema’s calculated patience signals that the EFF is not just watching from the sidelines—but is ready to move swiftly if the political winds shift.