Zambia opens tobacco market season, targets 80 million kilograms in 2026

Government and industry players have called for transparency, sustainability and stronger regional cooperation as Zambia officially launched the 2025/2026 tobacco marketing season at the TAZ Sales Floor in Lusaka. Speaking during the opening ceremony on Thursday, Agriculture Minister, Reuben Phiri, said the tobacco sector continued to play a significant role in Zambia’s economy through export earnings, employment creation and support for rural livelihoods. Mtolo said Zambia recorded a historic 72 million kilograms of tobacco sales during the previous marketing season, adding that government was implementing measures aimed at improving market access and competition.

He added that government had increased the number of licensed buyers and established additional sales floors to help reduce transport costs for farmers. Meanwhile, Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) Executive Director, Robert Mwale, urged stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth and successful marketing season. “Challenges will come, but the best way forward is not confrontation.

It is to sit down together and resolve issues amicably and in good faith,” Mwale said. TBZ Board Chairperson, Phil Daka, said Zambia was targeting 80 million kilograms of tobacco production in 2026 while maintaining high quality standards on the international market. “In international markets, ‘Zambian leaf’ signals grade, integrity, and consistency — a reputation we must guard jealously,” Daka said.

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He added that the board had strengthened reforestation programmes and climate-smart agriculture initiatives, particularly in Eastern Province, to support sustainable tobacco production. Daka also disclosed that TBZ had recruited more tobacco inspectors and upgraded its traceability system to improve transparency and curb side-marketing. “In an era of strict compliance, traceability is our licence to trade,” he said.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Matsvaire, said Zimbabwe had recorded strong growth in tobacco sales this season, with more than 199 million kilograms sold by Day 42 of the marketing season. “The future of tobacco in Africa lies in collaboration, innovation, and sustainability,” Matsvaire said.

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