ZIMBABWE will host a high-level business forum next week aimed at transforming the country’s tobacco sector, bringing together top government officials, Chinese investors and value chain players from across the world at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
The event, scheduled for October 16, forms part of the inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo, which seeks to strengthen bilateral trade and promote value-addition in the country’s largest agricultural export.
“We are proud to host this landmark engagement with our partners from China and other global players,” Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development minister Anxious Masuku said in a statement.
“This forum is not just about celebrating past success, but about shaping a new era of investment, technology transfer and value addition within Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.”
He said the expo would help Zimbabwe to move closer to its goal of processing at least 30% of its tobacco locally by 2025, in line with the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan.
“For decades, Zimbabwe has exported raw leaf and imported finished products.
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“This business forum will help us to change that narrative.
“Our farmers, processors and manufacturers must benefit fully from the value of what they produce.”
Representatives from China Tobacco International and other firms are expected to discuss new markets, sustainable curing technologies, and financing models for smallholder growers.
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive Emmanuel Matsvaire said the forum would link farmers and investors.
“We have increased production significantly, but we now need to secure consistent markets and encourage investment in local processing.
“This forum allows both Zimbabwean and Chinese stakeholders to exchange ideas and sign partnerships that benefit the entire value chain,” he said.
The expo will also showcase modern tobacco-curing and packaging technologies that reduce costs and environmental impact.
“This is not just a trade show, it is a strategic dialogue on how to make Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry sustainable, profitable and globally competitive,” Matsvaire said.
The Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo runs from October 16 to 17 at HICC, with field tours and factory visits scheduled.