Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Zimpapers Correspondent
The 2026 tobacco marketing season officially commences today at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Harare, with industry players anticipating a bumper harvest and the implementation of faster payment systems.
The opening ceremony marks the start of auction-floor sales, while contract sales — which account for approximately 95 percent of the crop — are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has licensed three auction floors to operate this year: Tobacco Sales Floor, Premier Tobacco Auction Floor, and the newly approved Ethical Sales Floor.
In a major development for farmers, authorities have embraced a fully integrated digital payment system expected to reduce the waiting time for payments to just 30 minutes — a sharp reduction from the two-day window stipulated under Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022.
TIMB chief executive officer, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire, expressed optimism about this season’s prospects. He revealed that tobacco output is forecast to surpass 300 million kilogrammes this year, up from 296 million kilogrammes last season.
“We are going into 2030 where we are targeting 500 million kilogrammes,” Mr Matsvaire said. “We believe we will need an additional auction floor to manage the volumes.”
He also highlighted progress in Matabeleland, where naturally cured tobacco production has resumed for the first time since 1962, currently yielding about half a million kilogrammes annually.
In a bid to sanitise the industry, TIMB has introduced stricter penalties and a biometric grower management system to enhance accountability.
Fines for side marketing — a practice where tobacco is sold outside contracted channels — have been more than doubled. Farmers caught facilitating side marketing will now pay US$50 per bale, up from US$20. Merchants found purchasing side-marketed tobacco face a fine of US$200 per bale, double the previous penalty. Individuals operating illegal buying points, commonly known as “Makoronyera”, will be liable for fines of up to US$2,000.
Reinforcing regulatory compliance, TIMB confirmed that 48 contractors have been licensed for the season, including one specialising in shisha tobacco. However, five contracting firms have been barred from participating after failing to secure licences.
The affected companies — Inter Africa, Leaf Exchange Africa, Voedsel, Moroz Tobacco Company, and Tobacco Company of Zimbabwe — have been linked to various irregularities, including contract disputes and delayed payments.
Stakeholders across the value chain expressed confidence in the industry’s readiness. Premier Tobacco Auction Floors executive director, Mr Owen Murumbi, welcomed the new payment timelines. “We are anticipating a good season with farmers expected to get their money on time,” he said.
TSF general manager, Mr Kennedy Zimunya, confirmed the efficiency drive, stating: “Last year, we achieved payments within one hour. This year, we are targeting to improve that to 30 minutes.”
Meanwhile, farmers have been urged to protect themselves from exploitative middlemen and adhere to their contractual obligations.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association president, Mr George Seremwe, advised growers to honour their contracts and warned against the allure of immediate cash offers from illegal buyers.
The official opening of the season coincides with the launch of the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan Phase Two, which will be unveiled by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, to guide the next phase of reforms in the industry.
