Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE’S record-breaking tobacco output and growing international reputation for scientific excellence have earned it the right to host one of the most prestigious global gatherings in the industry — the 2026 CORESTA Conference, set for Victoria Falls.
The event will bring together 400 international participants from 38 tobacco-producing countries for a week of high-level discussions on tobacco science, production and sustainability.
This development comes on the back of a stellar marketing season in which farmers had, by Day 122, successfully delivered 354 802 138 kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$1,17 billion — a performance that underscores the sector’s potential when production advice is accurate and timely.
Kutsaga, the country’s agricultural research hub, which solely produces tobacco seeds in Zimbabwe, is at the centre of the hosting effort.
Kutsaga’s chief executive officer, Dr Frank Magama, said the decision was a “global endorsement” of Zimbabwe’s leadership in both production volumes and scientific innovation.
“They would not come here if we were not among the best,” Dr Magama said.
“CORESTA in Zimbabwe validates our prominence in tobacco production and eminent tobacco science globally.”
Dr Magama said the event would galvanise ministries, private stakeholders and the tourism sector, generating business opportunities for merchants and buyers while showcasing the country’s agricultural achievements to the world.
“With our record volumes, 400 million kilogrammes will not be too far out when business sees that the world is descending to Zimbabwe for one week of global tobacco discussions,” he said.
“It may be prime now with the 350 million and the 75th anniversary of Kutsaga.”
This latest recognition comes in a landmark year for Kutsaga, which turned 75 years old in 2024.
The institution, the tobacco industry and Zimbabwe as a whole won the Global Award for Sustainability at the Global Nicotine Tobacco Forum in Athens, Greece, last year.
Dr Magama was also named CEO of the Year (Agribusiness) by the CEO Africa Roundtable, while Kutsaga collected 24 awards across various fields, including the Presidential Innovation Award for its work in climate-smart agriculture.
He has been selected as one of six international judges for the World Tobacco Awards 2025, to be presented at the World Tobacco Middle East expo in Dubai on 11 November 2025.
According to the latest seasonal report, farmers sold tobacco at an average price of US$3,32 per kilogramme this year, volumes of over 300 million kg that underpin the country’s position as Africa’s top producer and one of the world’s largest exporters.
The choice of Victoria Falls as the venue for the CORESTA Conference is expected to boost Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, already renowned for one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” he said.
“This is not only about tobacco. It is about projecting Zimbabwe’s capacity, innovation and hospitality to the world.
“When 400 of the most influential people in the global industry come here, they will see first-hand why Zimbabwe is at the top.”
