Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector is showing strong signs of growth ahead of the 2025/2026 farming season, with the area planted under irrigated tobacco now 60 percent above the record levels set in 2024.

Tobacco seed sales are also 11 percent firmer compared to the same time of 2024, which augurs well for attaining the 2025/2026 production target of 360 million kilogrammes.

Information released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board shows that over 11,856 hectares have been planted to date.

“The total hectorage has risen from 10,217 hectares transplanted during the same period in the previous season. Farmers are optimistic that this season will be fruitful, and we anticipate higher yields,” said TIMB.

These developments come on the back of a record-breaking year for tobacco sales.

As of September 18, 2025, Zimbabwe had sold 354.8 million kilogrammes, up sharply from 231.8 million kilogrammes sold during the same period in 2024,  representing a 53.08 percent increase.

Meanwhile, TIMB is conducting biometric tobacco grower registration with over, 112,000 growers having already registered already.

The bulk of the tobacco grown in Zimbabwe is however exported in its raw form, though authorities are pushing for value addition.

The major buyers of Zimbabwe’s golden leaf are from the Far East, Africa and the European Union.

New Ziana