Zimbabwe's tobacco exports surge 62% amid strong global demand

Zimbabwe's tobacco exports have seen a significant 62% increase, driven by robust global demand for the crop. This surge in exports highlights a positive trend for the country's agricultural sector. Meanwhile, the country is also grappling with various economic and social issues, including efforts by Zimra to tighten controls on imports, ongoing water challenges in Harare despite a US$400 million loan, and a salary dispute leading to a strike. Political tensions are also reported in some grassland plots, resulting in violent attacks and forced evictions. In other news, Stanbic is facilitating connections between Zimbabwean farmers and Chinese buyers to boost exports, and Afreximbank's US$11 billion investment in South Africa signals a potential shift in trade dynamics. The stability of the VFEX is noted, though underlying value concerns persist. Additionally, the predicted Super El Niño is causing anxiety among Zimbabwean farmers, and industry owes Harare ZiG4 billion, prompting pleas for payment from Mafume.