Zimbabwe, China deepen tobacco ties at historic inaugural Expo

The inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo concluded last week, marking a historic milestone for Africa's tobacco sector. Officially launched by Hon. Dr. Anxious Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, this two-day event brought together China and Africa’s “T5” major tobacco producing countries (Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique) under the theme: "From Leaf to Legacy – Connecting Markets, Creating Value."

The expo (and accompanying business forum held on the first day), attracted more than 300 delegates from the six countries and 60 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovation.

The business forum addressed critical industry priorities: strengthening Zimbabwe's position as Africa's premier sustainable tobacco source, empowering local merchants, advancing research and innovation, and unlocking investment pathways across the value chain.

Dr. Masuka described the expo as "a defining moment for the sector, uniting vision and value." With China as Zimbabwe's principal market, this strategic platform deepened market intelligence, fostered producer-buyer engagement, and advanced the government's value addition and beneficiation drive.

The two-decade partnership between Zimbabwe and China began with contract farming in 2005 following the collapse of land being used as banking collateral for seasonal growing loans. It led to the rebirth of our tobacco growing sector and China continues to buy over 100 million kg annually. Approximately 135,000 farmers, most of whom are small-scale, are registered to grow tobacco this season.

The 2025 marketing season saw Zimbabwe achieve 355 million kg production, surpassing the Government target of 300 million kg. A new, ambitious target of 500 million kg by 2030 has been set.

Of concern is the use of wood used for curing such a large volume of tobacco. There are contractor-led efforts spearheading the growing of sustainable gumtree woodlots under the Sustainable Afforestation Association alongside research into energy-efficient barns and alternative curing fuels being undertaken by research institute Kutsaga.

In his address to the assembled delegates, Dr. Masuka alluded the removal of wood for curing by the year 2030.

The expo concluded with a glittering cocktail evening celebrating the heroes of the value chain, our hardworking farmers and industry stakeholders who made this success possible.

Commercial farmer Denford Mutwiwa of Headlands, who grew 280 ha last season and has increased his hectarage to 330 ha this current season, was honoured by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, TIMB, for his superior productivity, crop quality,  and pioneering the adoption of new technologies, and best sustainable practices in tobacco cultivation.

Nemrody Gochamahove of Mvurwi, was honoured as the smallholder farmer of the year for outstanding efficiency, yield and adherence to quality standards.

Monica Chinamasa was honoured as the female farmer recognised for excellence, leadership and mentorship within the tobacco value chain.

The young farmer of the year award, celebrating innovation and productivity in tobacco farming, was awarded to Ordripha Zishiri.

Tobacco Leaf Exporters Association of Zimbabwe was honoured as environmental stewardship champion for its exemplary commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical labour practices and measurable compliance with stringent ESG criteria.