Top Takeaways:
- Record tobacco sales: Zimbabwe sold a record 299.2 million kg of tobacco from March to mid‑June—up 45% year‑on‑year—bringing in over $1 billion.
- Weather boosts output: Improved rainfall has been cited as a major factor fueling the surge in both volume and quality.
- Small farms drive growth: More than 108,000 growers contributed to the record, aided by agronomic improvements and expanded farmland.
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry surged to record-breaking sales in 2025, fueled by improved rainfall and a sharp increase in grower participation, cementing the country’s position as Africa’s top leaf producer.
According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), tobacco sales from March through mid-June reached a historic 299.2 million kg, a 45% rise compared to the previous year. These sales generated just over $1 billion, up from $715 million in the same period in 2024.
The uptick follows favorable weather conditions that helped mitigate last year’s drought-induced slump. Chelesani Tsarwe, TIMB’s public affairs officer, said the results reflect growers’ resilience and improved farming practices. She added the nation was now moving “from volume-driven horizontal growth to value-driven growth,” signaling a shift toward quality production.
Experts attribute the strong sales also to record levels of grower engagement. Approximately 108,000 farmers participated—4.6% more than in 2024—and expanded planting to 84,661 hectares, compared with 82,392 hectares last year.
Despite high output, average prices remain robust. Market data reveals average auction prices hovered around $3.37 per kg, with some contract grades fetching as much as $6.30. China remains the main export market, accounting for nearly 39% of the country’s tobacco exports.
TIMB Chair Emmanuel Matsvaire attributed the success to better agronomics, contract farming, and decentralized production, noting that production is expanding beyond traditional provinces into Matabeleland South. He also emphasized the need for continued investment in barn technology, quality grading, and processing to increase the crop’s value-add locally.
Agricultural analysts caution that such production increases—alongside expected volume growth in Brazil—may depress prices for mid- to low-grade leaves, even as demand for premium grade tobacco holds steady.
