Did you know that tobacco is Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export and a critical foreign currency earner for the country? In 2025, the tobacco industry is projected to generate revenues of around US$114 million from tobacco products alone, with cigarettes comprising the largest market segment. Despite challenges such as the El Niño-induced drought in 2024 that reduced production to about 230.9 million kilograms, Zimbabwe expects a significant rebound to approximately 280 million kilograms in 2025, approaching near-record harvest levels. This resurgence is attributed to favorable rainfall and improved farming conditions.

Zimbabwe’s tobacco is primarily grown by small-scale farmers and sold through auction floors and contract sales, with China being the largest consumer and paying premium prices for the crop. The government and industry regulators have introduced advanced measures such as biometric grower registration systems to enhance transparency, reduce side marketing, and ensure only legitimate farmers participate in the market. Efforts are also underway to increase local value addition, including boosting domestic cigarette production, which currently accounts for about 6% of the market. These initiatives aim to keep more economic benefits within Zimbabwe and support the government’s goal of growing the agricultural economy to US$5 billion by 2030.

Moreover, the tobacco sector is expanding beyond traditional growing regions, with new areas like Matabeleland South seeing successful cultivation under contract farming arrangements. The industry remains optimistic about strong demand and competitive pricing for the 2025 marketing season, which runs from January to July, reinforcing tobacco’s vital role in Zimbabwe’s economy and its status as a premier source of premium tobacco on the international market.

Dandaro Online Zimbabwe Did You Know