The role of the maize industry is discussed with reference to employment, foreign exchange earnings, food production, input provision, market segment and contribution to GDP. The impact of changes in the maize industry is quantified by means of input-output analysis and dynamic multipliers. The impact of the maize industry is insignificant relative to the total economy with regard to contribution to GDP, market for other products and input provision. Employment is the terrain of the most important impact of the maize industry.