Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry continues its robust growth trajectory, with earnings from tobacco sales reaching an impressive US$800.3 million since the opening of the 2025 marketing season in March. The latest data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) reveals a strong 34 percent increase in sales compared to the same period last year, signaling a productive season for the country’s golden leaf.
By day 57 of the marketing season, farmers had sold a total of 237.2 million kilograms of tobacco at an average price of US$3.37 per kilogram. This marks a significant rise from the 176.6 million kilograms worth US$616.2 million recorded during the same timeframe in 2024.
The majority of tobacco is moving through contract floors, where 225 million kilograms valued at US$756.3 million have been sold by contracted farmers. In contrast, auction floors accounted for 12.2 million kilograms, generating US$44 million. This continued dominance of the contract system highlights the structured nature of tobacco marketing in Zimbabwe, which provides assured markets for most farmers.
The marketing season is currently at its peak, with deliveries ranging between 5.5 and 6 million kilograms per day. These high daily volumes reflect the culmination of months of preparation and effort by tobacco farmers across the country.
Industry analysts expect total production to reach at least 300 million kilograms this season, which would further cement Zimbabwe’s position as one of the top tobacco producers globally. This growth comes as welcome news for the economy, given tobacco’s role as one of the country’s largest foreign currency earners.
The steady rise in tobacco sales and earnings is also a reflection of ongoing efforts to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability in production. As the season progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about hitting or even surpassing projected targets, reinforcing tobacco’s continued importance in Zimbabwe’s agricultural and economic landscape.
