The partnership sets in motion preparations for the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo, to be held in September, which will showcase cutting-edge Chinese mechanisation technologies tailored for Zimbabwe’s farming context. With small-scale farmers contributing over 85% of the country’s tobacco output, the expo promises to address key productivity constraints by unveiling tools and equipment suited to their needs, including mechanised tillage, processing, and quality enhancement innovations.
For years, Zimbabwe has earned significant foreign currency from tobacco exports—primarily semi-processed leaf—with China as its largest buyer. However, the lack of value addition has limited local industrial growth and job creation. This latest move aims to change that narrative. By introducing farmers and entrepreneurs to the full range of technologies available in the global market, Zimbabwe is laying the groundwork for a more vertically integrated tobacco industry.
TIMB Acting CEO Emmanuel Matsvaire highlighted the importance of the expo in bridging the knowledge and technology gap that has long hindered growth in the value addition space. This initiative aligns well with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals of industrialisation, increased export value, and inclusive economic development. As the country repositions itself as not just a grower but also a processor and exporter of premium tobacco products, partnerships like this could be the catalyst that propels the sector to its next level.
