Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry Reaches Historic Record, Earning Over US$1 Billion

Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector has achieved a landmark feat this year, producing an unprecedented 354.8 million kilograms of tobacco the highest output in the nation’s history.

For the first time ever, growers collectively earned over US$1.17 billion, setting a new benchmark for the golden leaf industry.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given that the country had been recovering from the 2023 El Niño-induced drought, which saw production fall to 232 million kilograms and revenues of just under US$800 million.

At the heart of this turnaround lies a profound shift in how tobacco is cultivated across Zimbabwe. Farmers are increasingly adopting climate-smart and irrigation-based farming practices, reducing dependence on erratic rainfall. As of September 26, over 15,600 hectares of irrigated tobacco had already been transplanted an 11.5% increase from the previous season.

Irrigation has evolved into more than just a farming method; it now represents security and resilience for thousands of families whose livelihoods rely on tobacco production.

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage

Sustainability efforts have also intensified across tobacco-growing regions. Farmers are now planting fast-growing trees for curing, indigenous species for forest restoration, and fruit trees to promote food and nutrition security.

Contractors are required to supply growers with sustainably sourced firewood or coal. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has stepped in to help by offering discounted coal, delivered at affordable rates to ease the burden on farmers while preserving natural forests.

Although coal use poses environmental concerns, the TIMB maintains that forest conservation remains a top priority.

From Production to Value Addition

The industry’s growth is now extending beyond production volumes. A strong emphasis is being placed on value addition and beneficiation to ensure Zimbabwe retains more value from its tobacco exports. The proportion of processed tobacco has risen sharply from just 2% in previous years to over 10% today.

One of the sector’s major milestones is the creation of Africa’s first nicotine extraction plant, which recovers nicotine from tobacco waste. The by-products are converted into organic fertiliser, positioning Zimbabwe as a potential fertiliser manufacturing hub and advancing President Mnangagwa’s vision of industrial transformation.

Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo 2025

The industry’s record harvest comes as Zimbabwe prepares to host the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo 2025, scheduled for October 16–17 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.

The event will include a high-level business forum chaired by Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. It is expected to attract major stakeholders, including China Tobacco International, offering a platform to exchange expertise and forge partnerships with the world’s leading tobacco producer.