TBZ, ZAMCOM Sign MoU to Strengthen Communication in Tobacco Sector

By DAILY News Reporter

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Educational Trust ( ZAMCOM) aimed at strengthening communication, visibility, and capacity building within Zambia’s tobacco sector.

The agreement, signed at TBZ Head Office in Lusaka on Thursday, will see the two institutions collaborate on strategic communication, digital content production, and training initiatives.

Speaking during the ceremony, TBZ Executive Director Mr. Robert Mwale said the partnership is part of the institution’s broader strategy to enhance stakeholder engagement and improve how the tobacco industry is communicated to the public.

Mr. Mwale noted that tobacco remains a key crop in Zambia’s agricultural sector, contributing to job creation, rural livelihoods, and export earnings.

“We are expanding our footprint to bring services closer to farmers, while also ensuring that our story is told effectively through modern communication platforms,” Mr. Mwale said.

Mr. Mwale also added that the collaboration with ZAMCOM will help TBZ produce high-quality branded content, including videos and digital media, to showcase the impact of the crop across the country.

Mr. Mwale further revealed that TBZ is targeting the production of 80 million kilograms of tobacco in the 2025/2026 marketing season.

And ZAMCOM Executive Director Kennedy Mwila said the MoU represents a shared commitment to enhancing communication effectiveness in the tobacco sub-sector.

Mr. Mwila explained that ZAMCOM will provide a range of services, including training in communication and public relations, production of radio jingles, digital content creation, and documentary production.

He emphasized that effective communication is critical in highlighting the value chain of tobacco—from farmers to processors—and its contribution to the national economy.

“This partnership demonstrates the importance of communication as a strategic tool in national development,” Mr. Mwila said.

The collaboration is also expected to strengthen ZAMCOM’s role as a multimedia institution offering training, consultancy, and production services tailored to industry needs.

Both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership will deliver meaningful results and improve public understanding of the tobacco sector.