Zimbabwe Breaks Tobacco Record – US$1.13 Billion Earned, Eyes US$5 Billion Target

Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry has achieved a major milestone, breaking its all-time production record with 340.2 million kilograms delivered in 2025.

This marks a 51% increase from the previous year and reflects strong performance in both output and earnings.

The sector has generated US$1.13 billion, reinforcing its vital role in the country’s economy and rural development.

A significant portion of the tobacco about 85% was produced by smallholder farmers, most of whom benefited from Zimbabwe’s land reform programme.

This achievement highlights the importance of tobacco farming in uplifting rural communities and supporting household incomes across the country.

Through inclusive agricultural policies, many rural families are now contributing meaningfully to national production and exports.

Most of the crop was sold under contract farming arrangements, which accounted for 321 million kilograms, while 18.9 million kilograms were sold through traditional auction systems.

This shows the growing dominance of contract-based production models, which offer farmers inputs and technical support in exchange for exclusive marketing rights.

One of the key factors behind the sector’s success has been the use of modern technology.

Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), molecular science for better seed development, and geographic information systems (GIS) for crop monitoring have played a major role in improving both productivity and crop quality.

These tools are helping farmers make informed decisions, manage risks, and increase yields.

Looking ahead, the tobacco industry has set its sights on a US$5 billion milestone. To achieve this, the sector aims to move beyond exporting raw tobacco and instead focus on value addition.

This means increasing local processing, packaging, and manufacturing of tobacco products to boost earnings and create more jobs.

By adding value within the country, Zimbabwe stands to benefit more from its natural resources while strengthening its industrial base.