PREPARATIONS for the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo are at an advanced stage, with China Tobacco International leading global delegations to Harare.
The expo, hosted by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) in partnership with the Asia-Europe and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association (AEA Association), will take place from October 16 to 17, 2025 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
This historic event will bring together leading players from across the global tobacco value chain, marking a major milestone in strengthening trade and knowledge exchange between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China.
Already, China Tobacco International has confirmed attendance alongside multiple companies from its extensive value chain.
Over 30 Zimbabwean companies have also registered, with exhibition space rapidly filling up.
“China remains Zimbabwe’s largest single tobacco buyer, accounting for about 100 million kilogrammes annually, nearly one-third of our crop,” said Emmanuel Matsvaire, the TIMB chief executive officer.
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“This expo provides a rare opportunity to connect Zimbabwean growers and industry stakeholders with Chinese innovations that can address our challenges and drive value addition.”
Programme highlights
lOctober 15: Field and factory tours.
lOctober 16 (morning): Business Forum featuring the Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development ministry and the Industry and Commerce ministry.
lOctober 16-17: Exhibitions, live demonstrations, buyer-seller meetings, networking sessions, and signing ceremonies.
Confirmed participants include tobacco merchants, processors, cigarette manufacturers, financiers, input suppliers, insurers, logistics providers and researchers from Zimbabwe, China, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
A key focus will be on sustainable tobacco curing technologies.
China has already eliminated the use of wood in curing tobacco — an innovation Zimbabwe is eager to adopt to reduce deforestation and cut production costs.
The expo is aligned with Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which targets 30% value addition by 2025 and reduced reliance on raw leaf exports.
With Zimbabwe producing record-breaking crops, including 355 million kg in 2025, the need to drive beneficiation and downstream growth has never been greater.
“This event builds on a long-standing partnership with China, dating back to 2005 when the China National Tobacco Corporation partnered Zimbabwe to establish Tian Ze Tobacco Company, which continues to provide competitive contracts to local farmers,” Matsvaire added.
Spaces are limited and filling up fast.
Interested exhibitors and delegates are encouraged to register early to secure participation in Africa’s premier tobacco showcase.
Bookings and enquiries can be done through contacting Chelesani: +263 77 239 8033; email: ctsarwe@timb.co.zw, Robert +263 77 809 2670; email: rkutsukutsa@timb.co.zw or Rhyne: +263 78 289 4519; email: rchikuni@timb.co.zw.