Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
Agriculture News Editor
The inaugural Zimbabwe-China Tobacco Expo put Zimbabwe on the global map as a prime destination for investment, helping spotlight opportunities in irrigation systems, green curing technologies, tobacco processing plants, and alternative energy solutions.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said that more than 60 exhibitors, including representatives from 15 Chinese companies and regional exhibitors from Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique, participated at the event.
TIMB public affairs officer, Mrs Chelesani Moyo, said participants at the expo laid the foundation for stronger regional cooperation in the tobacco trade and value addition.
The participants commended Zimbabwe for producing a high-quality crop.
“The expo was a resounding success, bringing together stakeholders from across the tobacco value chain to strengthen partnerships, share knowledge, and explore investment opportunities.
“The expo reaffirmed China’s position as Zimbabwe’s largest tobacco trading partner, with both sides committing to deepen collaboration in trade, technology and investment across the tobacco value chain.
“Discussions highlighted the need to increase local processing and manufacturing so that Zimbabwe can export more value-added products, such as cigarettes, cigars and nicotine derivatives, instead of raw leaf,” she said.
The expo also highlighted the need for low-cost, low-emission technologies for curing, irrigation, and mechanisation, drawing from China’s experience to make Zimbabwe’s tobacco production more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable.
“The expo demonstrated that Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector is growing, modernising, and ready for deeper international partnerships, turning the golden leaf into a true driver of sustainable economic growth,” she said.
The event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TIMB and the Asia-Europe and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association (AEA Association).
The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan, which focuses on increasing local value addition while reducing raw tobacco exports.
The MoU formalised a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China in the tobacco sector.
China and Zimbabwe have cordial relations dating back to the liberation struggle.
