Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector has surpassed 350 million kg in 2025, thanks in large part to Chinese support, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said. Speaking in Harare after signing agreements on China-aid irrigation projects, Ncube highlighted China’s role in providing both credit facilities and market access through China Tobacco, helping small- and medium-scale farmers grow the sector beyond expectations.
The assistance has helped Zimbabwe maintain its position as Africa’s top tobacco producer and a significant player globally. The tobacco industry remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agriculture, supporting over 160,000 households, according to government data.
