Zambia is working towards achieving a target of 80 million kilogrammes of tobacco in 2026, as government officially opens the 2025/2026 marketing season, with a call for increased production, transparency and investment in the sector.
Speaking at the official opening of the marketing season, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo said the tobacco sub-sector continues to play a critical role in Zambia’s socio-economic development through export earnings, employment creation and income generation for rural households.
Mr. Mtolo noted that Zambia recorded a historic performance during the previous marketing season, with total tobacco sales reaching 72 million kilogrammes.
“This performance reflects the resilience and hard work of our farmers, the commitment of our cooperating partners, and the effectiveness of Government policy interventions,” Mr. Mtolo said.
He stressed that Government has increased the number of licensed buyers and established additional sales floors to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the market.
The Minister added that Government is prioritizing the decentralization of sales floors in order to reduce the cost of doing business for farmers by bringing markets closer to production areas
Mr. Mtolo urged growers to maintain high quality standards to enhance Zambia’s competitiveness on the international market. “I therefore urge all growers to adhere to recommended agronomic practices and to ensure that the tobacco produced meets the highest standards,” he added.
At the same event, Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) Board Chairperson Dr. Phil Daka said to deliver on the 80 million kilograms production target without compromising standards, the board has acted decisively on two fronts.
“First, we are correcting the grower-to-inspector ratio.We have employed additional tobacco inspectors so that every farmer, from Choma to Chipata, receives timely technical support, agronomic guidance, and regulatory oversight,” Dr. Daka said.
“Second, we have transformed our traceability system. We now ensure accurate, real-time data capture from nursery to sales floor. This is a vital pillar of effective regulation. It builds transparency, deters side-marketing, and gives government, financiers, and global buyers the confidence to invest in Zambia tobacco.”
He highlighted that Zambian tobacco continues to command a strong premium on the international market due to its quality, discipline among growers, and a robust regulatory system.
Dr. Daka further emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability and traceability in strengthening the sector’s competitiveness, noting ongoing efforts in reforestation and climate-smart agriculture, particularly in high-production areas such as Eastern Province. “We take ESG issues seriously because sustainability is now a market requirement, not a choice,” he added.
He also said the board has enhanced inspection systems and digital traceability from nursery to sales floor to improve transparency and market confidence, and called for stronger partnerships with buyers, farmers, and government.
Speaking earlier, TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale emphasized that the tobacco marketing season represents hope for growers who have invested months of labour in producing the crop, while also serving as a starting point for input suppliers and sponsors to strengthen partnerships.
“For our farmers, this is a moment of relief and pride, they now bring forward a quality crop that feeds families, sustains communities, and contributes significantly to our national economy,” Mr. Mwale stated.
He stressed the need for collaboration in addressing challenges, urging stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation. “Challenges will come, but when they do, the best way forward is not confrontation. It is to sit down together, around the table, and resolve issues amicably and in good faith,” he emphasized.
Mr. Mwale further assured farmers that the Board remains committed to protecting their interests while ensuring a stable and predictable business environment for buyers and investors.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) of Zimbabwe, Emmanuel Matsvaire, called for stronger regional collaboration, quality improvement, and sustainable production practices in the tobacco sector.
Mr. Matsvaire noted that while Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry has recorded significant growth, reaching over 199 million kilograms sold valued at about US$517 million, challenges such as declining prices, increased rejection rates, and environmental concerns remain key issues.
“We have observed a decline in average prices, currently at around US$2.60 per kilogram, compared to US$3.40 last season. Additionally, rejection rates have increased, indicating the need for continued focus on quality improvement, adherence to grading standards, and enhanced farmer training,” he said.
He noted that Africa’s tobacco future depends on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability among producing countries.
