馃嚳馃嚰ZimbabweSouthern Africa
Zimbabwe's tobacco sector now supports 135,000 households, targets 400 million kg output
via NewsDay Zimbabwe6 min read
Zimbabwe's tobacco sector now supports 135,284 households, a 37% increase since 2017, after generating US$1.2 billion in revenue during the 2024/25 agricultural season. Improved rainfall contributed to 355 million kilograms of tobacco sold. The government aims for a record 400 million kilograms in the 2025/26 season, with over 162,000 hectares planted, marking a 42% increase from the previous season. Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board TIMB chief executive officer Emmanuel Matsvaire noted that growers' earnings averaged US$10,000 in 2025, double the 2017 figure. The TIMB has also reduced tobacco classification grades to 669 to improve farmer profitability. Despite global oversupply pressures and price standoffs in other countries, Matsvaire stated that high-quality tobacco would continue to fetch good prices. TIMB head of ICT Edson Nhemachena mentioned that while 459,000 growers are registered, only about 100,000 are active. A new biometric grower management system has been introduced to prevent account abuse and verify indebtedness under contract farming.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's hospitality sector is facing a significant funding deficit of US$30 million in preparation for the IATF 2029. In related news, Stanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 towards clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Other developments include Fidelity unveiling Zimbabwe's first large-scale residential piped gas project and the ZMX reporting rising confidence with trades reaching US$1.28 million. Zimbabwe also commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness and delivered a historic milestone by hosting world-class Table Tennis regional championships. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions, while squatters continue to struggle with trauma from Gukurahundi and state-sponsored violence. The VFEX shows stability, though underlying value is masked, and there are concerns that Zanu PF may ambush Zimbabwe towards a referendum. Despite outdated equipment, Zimbabwe's para-athletes are achieving success, and junior water polo teams are poised for global recognition.
Must ReadZimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory, a move aimed at enhancing the country's export competitiveness in the honey market. This initiative is expected to support local honey producers in meeting international quality standards and accessing global markets.
Must ReadStanbic Bank has committed US$30,000 to support clean-up initiatives in Victoria Falls. Separately, former legislator Dubeko has filed a challenge with the Constitutional Court regarding President Mnangagwa's term extension. Other news includes government efforts to revive the cotton industry, rising confidence in the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange ZMX with trades reaching US$1.28 million, and a report on ART operations being affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes in the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to enhance export competitiveness.