New Zim-China expo to showcase Zimbabwean tobacco ...

New Zim-China expo to showcase Zimbabwean tobacco and Chinese agri-tech

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A record-breaking year for Zimbabwe's tobacco industry has set the stage for a new event aimed at strengthening ties with a key partner. The inaugural Zim-China Tobacco Expo, a collaboration between Zimbabwean and Chinese entities, will take place at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre in Harare from September 17 to 19. This landmark expo is designed to foster market development, encourage technological exchange, and deepen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. It arrives at a time of immense success for the sector, with over 352 million kilograms of tobacco sold since the start of the 2025 marketing season. This figure surpasses the previous record of 296 million kg set in 2023 and has generated more than US$1 billion in revenue, solidifying tobacco's position as a vital component of Zimbabwe's economy.

The Zim-China Tobacco Expo is the result of a partnership between Zimbabwe's regulatory body, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), and the Asia-Europe and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association (AEA Association). This international NGO is dedicated to promoting global business cooperation, aligning its efforts with China's "Belt and Road Initiative." Through its extensive networks, the AEA Association will ensure the seamless execution of the event, managing everything from supply chain logistics to exhibition organization.

Emmanuel Matsvaire, the chief executive officer of TIMB, hailed the expo as a "game-changer" for the industry. He highlighted that it will provide a direct link for local farmers and processors to access international markets and cutting-edge technologies. Matsvaire encouraged all local companies to participate, viewing it as an invaluable opportunity to propel the industry's growth trajectory.

The expo is designed to create a space for mutual benefit. Zimbabwean tobacco producers will have the opportunity to showcase their premium leaf to a global audience, reinforcing the country's reputation as a leading tobacco exporter. Meanwhile, Chinese companies will display their advanced agricultural equipment, including tools for small-scale farmers and sophisticated irrigation systems, which are crucial for boosting productivity and efficiency in Zimbabwe's tobacco sector.

The event also emphasizes the strategic importance of the Zimbabwe-China partnership. China is a major destination for Zimbabwean tobacco, purchasing a significant portion of the country's total exports. In the past year (April 2024 to March 2025), tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes accounted for US$729 million of Zimbabwe’s exports to China, representing more than 50% of the total export value to the Asian giant.

This strong relationship is further evidenced by the long-standing support from Chinese companies like Tian Ze Tobacco. As a subsidiary of China Tobacco, Tian Ze has been instrumental in providing farmers with essential inputs and technical guidance through contract farming schemes since the early 2000s.

Industry experts believe that strengthening these collaborations will unlock new opportunities for value addition within Zimbabwe. While the country is a leading producer of raw tobacco, there is a strong push to increase local processing of the leaf into products like cut tobacco and cigarettes. This would boost local revenue and create employment.

The expo is also expected to facilitate crucial knowledge exchange on sustainable practices. China plans to showcase tobacco-curing methods that can reduce reliance on wood, a significant step toward more environmentally friendly practices in Zimbabwe's tobacco industry.