New cigarette-making plant launched

Herald Reporter

A new cigarette manufacturing business run by Swan Valley Group, was launched in Harare last night by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, who said the Government remains committed to fostering private sector growth initiatives.

The launch was attended by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere and Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, among others.

Said Minister Ndlovu: “The tobacco industry is undoubtedly a cornerstone of our economy, contributing more than 10 percent to the country’s GDP and supporting the livelihoods of 160 000 households.

“Swan Valley’s entry into manufacturing will strengthen this trajectory by contributing to tax revenue through excise duties and value-added tax, thereby enhancing the Government’s fiscal position.

“As we celebrate this achievement, we must also remember the need for sustainability. Swan Valley’s initiatives to integrate sustainable practices, such as reforestation and the use of alternative energy sources, exemplify responsible corporate citizenship.”

Minister Ndlovu said such efforts by Swan Valley ensure the growth of the tobacco industry does not come at the expense of the environment, which the Government applauds.

The Minister added that it was pleasing that Swan Valley is the only fully indigenous-owned tobacco value chain company in Zimbabwe, echoing the call by President Mnangagwa that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”.

Government launched the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) 2024-2025, with the aim of realising sustainable manufacturing sector growth.

Minister Ndlovu said Swan Valley, through its seed to smoke strategy, will contribute immensely to the realisation of the plan’s goals.

“The company’s backward integration approach supports farmers while enhancing processing capabilities, ensuring that the full value of Zimbabwe’s tobacco remains within our borders,” he said.

Swan Valley International managing director Mr Mutemwa Ushewokunze said the launch of the cigarette manufacturing plant was a testament to the commitment, vision and hard work of the company.

He said Swan Valley intends to demonstrate its determination to transform Zimbabwe’s tobacco value chain.

“Comprising three subsidiaries; Swan Valley Tobacco, Swan Valley Processing and Swan Valley International, our group is designed to be an end-to-end player in the tobacco industry,” said Mr Ushewokunze. Swan Valley Tobacco focuses on contract growing across all tobacco regions of Zimbabwe.