Zimbabwe is hosting the first World Tobacco Africa Expo at Rainbow Towers from today until tomorrow.
The event is co-hosted with Quartz Business Media, known for organizing business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions and conferences worldwide.
The expo will focus on tobacco leaf activities in Africa and includes a conference and exhibition. So far, 750 delegates from 351 companies have registered, with participants and exhibitors from 52 countries.
The Expo offers Zimbabwe a chance to attract investment into its tobacco sector. It will bring together industry experts, investors, and stakeholders from around the world, encouraging connections, networking, and collaboration.
Hosting the Expo boosts Zimbabwe’s status as Africa’s largest tobacco producer. Zimbabwe is the fourth-largest tobacco producer in the world after China, Brazil, and the United States.
In January and February, the country’s tobacco exports rose by 106%, generating $1.564 billion from the 2022/23 season, making it the second-largest foreign currency earner after gold.
The Expo will allow local tobacco farmers to see and try the latest products, services, and innovations. This will help them improve their competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability, enhancing their livelihoods and supporting the growth of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.
Local farmers will have the chance to network with industry experts, suppliers, and manufacturers, learning about best practices and global trends. They will also build relationships with potential buyers, exporters, and partners, expanding their market reach and business opportunities.
The Expo also highlights the successes of Zimbabwe’s Land Reform program and the government’s efforts to promote agriculture and tobacco farming through various initiatives, policies, and investments.
However, strict measures are needed if foreign exhibitors are allowed to showcase their products to ensure these products are not sold locally. Additionally, with the tobacco marketing season ongoing, authorities must be vigilant to prevent any delegates from smuggling Zimbabwe’s tobacco products.
Positive Eye News
