The 2026 tobacco marketing season has opened in Nkeyema and Chipata districts, with low compliance from licensed buyers.
Last week, Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) urged buyers to submit their price matrices in good time for approval before they start buying the crop.
As procedure dictates, buyers are required to submit their price matrices to TBZ for approval 10 days prior to the commencement of buying.
According to the Board, only four out of the 16 licensed buyers have submitted their price matrices for approval.
In a statement, TBZ Corporate Affairs and Communication Manager, Lee Haamunji, said the submissions represent just 25 percent compliance rate.
Mr. Hamunji revealed that of the four submissions received, only one has been approved because it aligns with the cost-of-production benchmark designed to protect tobacco growers.
He explained that the law requires each buyer to submit an independent price matrix.
Mr. Hamunji noted that to promote transparency, approved price matrices are usually displayed at the sales floors, giving growers and stakeholders direct access to the approved buying prices.
He urged all remaining licensed buyers to speed up the submission of their price matrices to ensure efficient operations and fair pricing.
“Tobacco Board of Zambia urges all remaining licensed buyers to expedite the submission of their price matrices for approval to ensure smooth operations and fair pricing for all stakeholders,” he said.
Mr. Hamunji also called on farmers to exercise patience, assuring them that the Board remains committed to protecting their interests.
“We appeal to growers to remain patient. The Board has the best interest of farmers at heart and remains committed to ensuring they receive the best possible prices for their tobacco,” he said.
Tobacco sales in Nkeyema and Chipata have began just a day after the Board officially opened the 2026 marketing season on April 13, with the first bales already traded.
