HARARE, ZIMBABWE — More than 70 mills in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe have closed due to the availability of cheap imports, the chairman of the Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe said in news reports.

The region is home to more than 90 maize mills, but only 11 are still operating, chairman Tafadzwa Musarara said on March 8, according to News Day.

Musarara cited cheap imports from South Africa and other countries as a reason for the closures. He did note that the reopening of Blue Ribbon’s mill, with a capacity of 10 tpd, has stabilized the maize meal market and helped with food security in the region.

Blue Ribbon has committed $25 million into the nation, Musarara said, adding that the company is a key player in food security in maize meal, flour, rice and other products.