Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing momentum is building strongly, underpinned by expanded hectarage, firm regulatory oversight and over 115,000 registered growers primed for deliveries.
The Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Resettlement has been briefed that the 2026 Tobacco Marketing Season opened with auction floors activated on 4 March, followed by contract sales on 5 March, marking the formal start of this year’s trading cycle.
Appearing before the Committee, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Matsvaire, outlined the operational roadmap and production outlook.
“The 2026 Tobacco Marketing Season will commence with auction sales on 4 March 2026, followed by contract sales on 5 March 2026.”
By February 2026, TIMB had registered 115,121 growers, reflecting sustained farmer participation in Zimbabwe’s leading agricultural export sector.
Production capacity has expanded sharply. According to TIMB statistics
“The total area under tobacco cultivation increased by 15%, rising from 143,025 hectares to 164,536 hectares.”
Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East recorded the largest growth in hectarage, consolidating their status as tobacco strongholds and driving expectations of increased output volumes.
With side marketing and illicit trade posing historical risks to orderly marketing, the regulator has escalated enforcement operations.
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Matsvaire detailed the clampdown:
“TIMB has strengthened enforcement against smuggling and illegal buying points, and enhanced collaboration with law enforcement agencies to curb side marketing and illicit trade.”
The measures are aimed at sealing revenue leakages and safeguarding growers’ earnings within formal channels.
the Board confirmed continuity in the foreign currency retention framework:
“Farmers will continue to receive 70% of their proceeds in USD and 30% in ZiG.”
The arrangement remains central to grower liquidity and export sustainability as tobacco continues to anchor Zimbabwe’s foreign currency inflows.
Wrapping up his presentation, Mr. Matsvaire gave a firm assurance to lawmakers:
“TIMB is fully prepared for the 2026 Marketing Season.”
With 164,536 hectares under tobacco and a strengthened compliance regime in place, the season unfolds against heightened expectations for production volumes, orderly marketing and sustained export performance reinforcing tobacco’s commanding role in Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
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