Elita Chikwati and Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE has officially shattered its all-time tobacco production record, with over 299 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf sold in the 2025 marketing season —putting the country within touching distance of the 300 million kilogramme milestone.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board chief executive Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said more than US$1 billion had so far been paid to farmers on the sales floors with the marketing season expected to run until next month.
“This is a milestone. Congratulations to all our hardworking farmers, stakeholders and partners across the value chain. Breaking the all-time production record is not just a number — it is a testament to resilience, innovation and collective vision.
“As we approach the 300 million kg milestone, let’s continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tobacco industry,” he said.
The previous record stood at 296 million kilogrammes and was achieved in 2023 when farmers earned US$1,3 billion in tobacco exports.
Smallholder farmers have been commended for their participation in tobacco production, which has seen the country becoming the major producer of the golden leaf in Africa and taking fifth position globally.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust president Mr Edward Dune said US$1 billion was a lot of money which could help farmers make a difference in terms of their livelihoods.
“Things could improve if 95 percent of the farmers are self-financed and own businesses. If the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan is implemented, we will see improvements,” he said.
The current season’s output reflects a robust and rapidly evolving sector, largely driven by smallholder farmers and national efforts to improve agricultural productivity.
In an interview, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri hailed the development as a reflection of the Second Republic’s deliberate transformation strategy.
“This record-breaking achievement — surpassing 299 million kilogrammes of tobacco sold and generating over a billion US dollars in farmer earnings — is a national milestone that speaks volumes about Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to agricultural transformation under the Second Republic,” he said.
“It is a direct result of our Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which was deliberately structured to ensure inclusive growth, increase production efficiency and maximise value retention locally.”
Prof Jiri underscored the importance of both sustainability and equity in the sector’s growth.
“What we are witnessing is not just about quantity, but about sustainability and equity,” he said.
“Our strategic focus has been on capacitating smallholder farmers, expanding access to financing and extension services and boosting productivity through localised innovation. This success is testament to those interventions bearing fruit.”
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export, contributing over 60 percent of the country’s agricultural export earnings and playing a crucial role in rural development.
Prof Jiri made it clear that while the volumes are worth celebrating, the long-term economic value lies in local processing.
“While surpassing 299 million kilogrammes of tobacco sold is a remarkable feat for our farmers and the nation at large, the true economic game-changer lies in value addition,” he said.
“Zimbabwe currently exports the bulk of its tobacco as a raw leaf, which means we are not yet realising the full economic potential of this strategic crop.”
Prof Jiri said the next frontier in the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan is beneficiation — transforming the country from a raw commodity exporter into an agro-industrial powerhouse.
“Our next phase is focused squarely on beneficiation — establishing local processing facilities, promoting cigarette and alternative product manufacturing, and increasing domestic retention of tobacco value. The aim is to transform Zimbabwe from a raw commodity exporter to a value-added, agro-industrial powerhouse.”
Prof Jiri said this aligns with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which identifies agriculture as a key driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic diversification.
“Under President Mnangagwa, agriculture is not just seen as a food provider but as a key pillar for industrialisation, job creation and export diversification,” he said.
To support this transition, authorities are courting both local and foreign investors to develop processing infrastructure.
Incentives are being provided under investment promotion frameworks to attract capital and technology into the sector.
“We are already engaging both local and international investors to support the development of processing infrastructure while offering incentives through our investment promotion frameworks. Through partnerships, we intend to move up the value chain — from curing and grading to packaging, manufacturing, and eventually exporting finished tobacco products,” Prof Jiri said.
He also stressed the importance of aligning growth with sustainability, particularly as international markets demand more traceability and environmentally sound production methods.
“In addition, our focus remains on strengthening environmental sustainability and traceability systems, so Zimbabwe’s tobacco remains competitive in global markets amid evolving regulations,” Prof Jiri said.
“I commend our farmers, stakeholders and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board for this milestone.”
Tobacco Association of Zimbabwe president Mr George Seremwe said the sustainability of tobacco production is hinged on ensuring farmers receive maximum benefits.
“When farmers thrive, it not only supports their livelihoods but also encourages the growth of the industry by attracting more participants.
“Localisation of the funding of tobacco should be promoted and spearheaded. Farmers also need to participate in the value addition so they can get the maximum benefit out of it.
“We are appealing to Government to come up with programmes where they stimulate and incentivise tobacco growing. At the same time, local banks and chemical and fertiliser companies should participate, so that we localise funds,” he said.
Mr Seremwe said through direct funding and value addition, farmers would be able to pay off loans.
Tobacco production used to be the preserve of a few white commercial farmers but as a result of the land reform programme, the crop is now being grown by more than 135 000 farmers.
Of the registered growers, 74 156 are from the communal sector, 45 340 A1, 7 029 small scale and 8 531 A2.
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