Zimbabwe tobacco farmers earn record US$1 billion

Zimbabwe's tobacco industry is celebrating a historic milestone after producing a record-breaking 354.8 million kilograms of tobacco in 2025 - the highest output in the nation's history. For the first time ever, growers earned over US$1 billion, with total earnings reaching US$1.178 billion, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).

The achievement marks a dramatic rebound from the 232 million kilograms produced in 2023, when the El Niño-induced drought devastated crops and brought in just under US$800 million.

Behind this remarkable recovery lies a silent revolution in Zimbabwe's tobacco farming practices. Growers are increasingly adopting climate-smart agriculture, shifting from reliance on rainfall to investments in irrigation systems. As of September 26, more than 15,600 hectares of irrigated tobacco had already been transplanted - an 11.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.

"Irrigation has become more than just a farming method; it represents stability and resilience in the face of unpredictable weather," said TIMB in a statement.

Sustainability has also become central to the sector's transformation. Fast-growing tree seedlings are being planted in all tobacco-growing regions to provide wood for curing, while indigenous and fruit trees are being introduced to restore forests and promote food security.

Contractors are now mandated to supply farmers with sustainably sourced wood or coal, and TIMB is facilitating discounted coal deliveries to help growers save on costs while reducing deforestation.

Although TIMB acknowledges the environmental challenges of using coal, the Board has reiterated that forest protection remains a top priority.

Beyond increased production, Zimbabwe's focus is now on value addition and beneficiation - ensuring more value is retained within the country. The proportion of tobacco processed locally has risen from 2 percent to over 10 percent, thanks to new investments in processing facilities.

One of the sector's most significant developments is the establishment of Africa's first nicotine extraction plant, which extracts nicotine from tobacco waste and converts the residue into organic fertiliser. The innovation could position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for fertiliser production, advancing President Mnangagwa's vision for an industrialised agricultural economy.

The record harvest coincides with preparations for the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo 2025, scheduled for October 16–17 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. The event, to be chaired by Agriculture Minister Dr Anxious Masuka, will bring together key players from Zimbabwe and China, including representatives from China Tobacco International, to explore partnerships and technological collaboration.

As the country celebrates this golden moment, TIMB has expressed gratitude to all stakeholders - from the farmers who produced the record crop to contractors, financiers, and agronomists who supported production.

"This achievement is more than just a number," TIMB said. "It is a story of resilience, innovation, and determination by Zimbabwe's farmers and the entire tobacco value chain."