Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry continues to attract international recognition, with the International Tobacco Growers Association reaffirming the country’s dominance in the continental tobacco sector.
This recognition comes amid ongoing Government efforts to strengthen the industry through targeted reforms, investment promotion and close collaboration with international partners to sustain growth and enhance the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, said the country’s progress demonstrates the success of measures introduced to strengthen the tobacco industry.
“This is clear testimony that interventions to facilitate growth are paying off, and we anticipate further expansion driven by the measures being implemented to foster growth and recovery. The tobacco industry remains committed to attracting more investment and generating sustainable economic value,” he said.
An ITGA delegation is in Zimbabwe for a two-day regional meeting aimed at developing strategies to accelerate growth, strengthen sustainability and enhance investment across the tobacco value chain.
ITGA Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes Vázquez, praised Zimbabwe’s ongoing reforms, saying they are creating a conducive environment for investment and long-term industry growth.
“This industry has the potential to generate significant economic returns, and Zimbabwe has what it takes to create favourable conditions that unlock value for investors, boost confidence and increase returns in the future,” she said.
The ITGA’s endorsement comes as Zimbabwe celebrates record tobacco production over the past two marketing seasons, further cementing its status as Africa’s largest producer of the golden leaf and highlighting the sector’s growing importance to the country’s export earnings and economic development.
