Zambia Targets 80 Million Kilograms in New Tobacco Season

By Daily News Reporter

The hum of voices and the rustle of tobacco bales filled the TAZ Sales Floor in Lusaka today as Zambia officially opened the 2025/2026 tobacco marketing season, a moment that government and industry leaders described as pivotal for farmers, buyers, and the national economy.

Speaking during the launch Ministry of Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri congratulated growers for their resilience, noting that their months of hard work “often undertaken under very difficult conditions” had produced a crop that sustains families and contributes to foreign exchange earnings and employment. 

Mr. Mtolo highlighted Zambia’s record 72 million kilograms of tobacco sales  in the previous season, calling it a reflection of farmer dedication, partner commitment, and effective policy interventions. He announced that government has increased the number of licensed buyers and established additional sales floors to decentralize the system, reduce costs, and improve farmer profitability.

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) has set a national target of 80 million kilograms for the new season. And Speaking at the same event TBZ Board Chairperson Dr. Phil Daka emphasized that discipline and accountability across the value chain will be critical to achieving it. TBZ has expanded its inspectorate and strengthened traceability systems to ensure transparency and compliance.

“Every issue to do with pricing, crop quality, and competitiveness – we are running the same race as stakeholders,” Dr. Daka said, urging merchants to honor contracts and farmers to avoid practices such as nesting, which undermine confidence in Zambian tobacco.

 Despite optimism, leaders acknowledged global challenges. Dr. Daka noted that oversupply and subdued demand are putting downward pressure on prices, urging merchants to offer fair rates that reflect the true quality of Zambian tobacco. 

Meanwhile TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale described the season as “a moment of relief and pride” for growers, stressing that success depends on dialogue, mutual respect, and fairness.

“Our vision is a win-win: a fair price for the grower, a return for the sponsor, and growth for Zambia through jobs, taxes, and foreign exchange,” Mwale said.   

Emmanuel Matsvaire, CEO of Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB). He reported that Zimbabwe had sold 200 million kilograms of tobacco by day 42 of its season — a 30% increase year-on-year — valued at approximately $517 million. Yet prices have declined to around $2.50 per kilogram, with rejection rates rising. 

Matsvaire highlighted common industry challenges including price volatility, post-harvest losses, farmer viability, deforestation, and sustainability. He said Zimbabwe is prioritizing reforestation, alternative curing technologies, stronger contract farming frameworks, value addition, and crop diversification. 

As Zambia embarks on its new season, leaders stressed that maintaining quality and transparency is essential to protecting “Brand Zambia” in competitive global markets. With a national target of 80 million kilograms, the season’s success will depend on farmers, merchants, and regulators working together to ensure fair pricing, contract compliance, and sustainable practices.