PREPARATIONS for the Zimbabwe–China Tobacco Expo, Africa’s premier tobacco showcase, are now at an advanced stage as China Tobacco International leads global delegations to Harare.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) will host the inaugural expo set to be held from 16 to 17 October 2025 at Rainbow Towers Hotel, marking a historic milestone in strengthening trade and knowledge exchange between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China.
Organised by the TIMB in partnership with the Asia-Europe and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association (AEA Association), the Expo will bring together leading players in the global tobacco value chain.
Already, China Tobacco International has confirmed its attendance, bringing along multiple companies from its extensive value chain, while over 30 Zimbabwean companies have also signed up. With space running out fast, anticipation for the event is growing across the industry.
“China remains Zimbabwe’s largest single tobacco buyer, accounting for about 100 million kilograms annually, nearly one-third of our crop,” said TIMB chief executive officer Emmanuel Matsvaire.
“This Expo provides a rare opportunity to connect Zimbabwean growers and industry stakeholders with Chinese innovations that can address our challenges and drive value addition.”
The Expo is a global platform for innovation that will feature field and factory tours on 15 October, a half-day business forum on 16 October that will feature Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
There will be exhibitions from 16 to 17 October, live demonstrations, stakeholder networking, buyer-seller meet and greets, and signing ceremonies.
Confirmed participants include tobacco merchants, processors, cigarette manufacturers, financiers, input suppliers, insurers, logistics providers, and researchers from Zimbabwe, China, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
One of the focal points will be sustainable tobacco curing technologies. China has already eliminated the use of wood in curing tobacco, a critical innovation Zimbabwe is eager to adopt to protect its forests and cut production costs.
The expo aligns with Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (TVCTP), which aims to increase value addition to 30 percent of total production by 2025 and reduce raw leaf exports.
Bergattal Tobacco Incorporated managing director Moses Machine said with Zimbabwe producing record-breaking crops in recent years, including 355 million kgs in 2025, the need to shift towards beneficiation has never been greater.
“The event builds on a long-standing partnership with China, dating back to 2005 when the China National Tobacco Corporation partnered with Zimbabwe to establish Tian Ze Tobacco Company, which continues to provide competitive contracts to local farmers,” he said.
Spaces are limited and filling up fast. Interested exhibitors and delegates are encouraged to register early to secure their place at Africa’s premier tobacco showcase.