HARARE – Government Targets 500 Million Kg of Tobacco by 2028
The Government of Zimbabwe has set an ambitious target to produce 500 million kilogrammes of tobacco by 2028, as part of efforts to meet rising global demand and accelerate local value addition within the tobacco industry.
The announcement was made during the Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo 2025, the first of its kind, which brought together local and international stakeholders to explore innovations and partnerships aimed at sustainable growth in the tobacco sector.
Masuka: “Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan in Motion”
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, said the new target reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening its tobacco industry and deepening its relationship with China — the country’s largest tobacco importer.
“This is the first expo with our biggest consumer of our tobacco, which is China. We have managed to create a good market for our new record of 355 million kilogrammes. The President has given us a new target to achieve 500 million kilogrammes by 2028,” Dr Masuka said.
“With the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan now in motion, we must have 100 million kilogrammes of our tobacco being value added. Opportunities are vast, and we hope this expo opens big business deals to enhance Zimbabwe-China trade relations.”
Expo Boosts Zim-China Trade Relations
The Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo 2025 serves as a vital platform for fostering investment and innovation in the sector. Expo organiser Linda Lu Zhaofeng described the event as an eye-opener for Chinese firms looking to invest in mechanisation, irrigation, and cigarette manufacturing.
“There are a lot of opportunities presented at this expo — from irrigation systems to tobacco processing and marketing innovations,” Zhaofeng said.
“We can safely say this forum will unlock new business deals between Zimbabwe and China.”
Regional Collaboration and Growth Opportunities
Delegates from across the region, including Zambia, participated in the expo to strengthen regional cooperation in tobacco production and marketing.
Zambia Tobacco Board Executive Director, Mr Robert Mwale, praised Zimbabwe’s leadership in the tobacco industry:
“We are happy to be in Zimbabwe, which is a big brother in tobacco production. Exposing us to Chinese investors through this expo will open opportunities to improve our trade relations with China.”
Theme: “From Leaf to Legacy, Connecting Markets Creating Value”
Held under the theme “From Leaf to Legacy, Connecting Markets Creating Value,” the Zim-China Tobacco Expo 2025 aims to position Zimbabwe as a leading source of high-quality golden leaf, fostering investment, sustainability, and innovation across the entire value chain.
