Bothwell Chabarika
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is set to showcase Zimbabwe’s tobacco production capacity and investment opportunities at WT Middle East 2026, scheduled for 10–11 November 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as the country seeks to strengthen its position in the global tobacco supply chain.
The participation will provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to engage international leaf tobacco buyers, traders, processors and investors, while promoting the country as a strategic sourcing destination and a major tobacco supply chain hub in Southern Africa.
In a statement, TIMB said it would use the international trade platform to highlight Zimbabwe’s competitive advantages, including its large-scale tobacco production, established marketing infrastructure, diverse leaf portfolio and commitment to quality.
“With over 359 million kilogrammes of tobacco marketed in 2026, an established production and marketing infrastructure, a diverse leaf portfolio and a commitment to quality, Zimbabwe remains a strategic sourcing destination for international markets,” TIMB said.
The board said its presence at the Dubai event would focus on exploring trade opportunities, strengthening international market linkages and engaging potential partners on how Zimbabwe could meet their leaf tobacco sourcing requirements.
TIMB identified consistent large-scale production, globally competitive and high-quality leaf, as well as established and regulated marketing systems among the country’s major strengths in the international tobacco trade.
The board also highlighted growing opportunities in tobacco processing and value addition, noting that Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry offered opportunities beyond the production and marketing of raw leaf.
The country’s established tobacco marketing systems provide an important foundation for international buyers seeking reliable sourcing arrangements, while opportunities in processing and value addition present scope for increased investment and expanded participation across the tobacco value chain.
Zimbabwe has continued to position tobacco as a key agricultural export commodity, with the sector contributing to foreign currency generation, employment creation and livelihoods for farmers and other players across the agricultural value chain.
Participation at WT Middle East 2026 is expected to strengthen the country’s visibility among international tobacco industry stakeholders and create opportunities for business partnerships, investment and expanded market access.
TIMB said Zimbabwe’s geographical position and established tobacco industry made it a strategic gateway to Southern Africa’s tobacco value chain.
The board extended an invitation to international buyers, traders, processors and investors to engage with Zimbabwean representatives during the two-day event in Dubai.
“Zimbabwe is open for tobacco business!” TIMB said.
Through its participation, Zimbabwe seeks to reinforce its reputation as a dependable tobacco supplier while attracting new business opportunities that could support further growth, processing capacity and value addition within the country’s tobacco industry.