TBZ TARGETS HIGHER FARMER RETURNS AND STRONGER TOBACCO EXPORTS

MKUSHI, ZAMBIA – 22 OCTOBER 2026 – The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) is working on modalities to review and reduce the tobacco levy in a move aimed at improving returns for growers and strengthening the competitiveness of Zambia’s tobacco industry.

TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale said the proposed review forms part of efforts to make tobacco farming more viable while addressing practices such as nesting and side-selling, which undermine leaf quality, traceability and buyer confidence.

“Our objective is to make tobacco farming more viable for our growers while protecting the value and reputation of Zambian tobacco,” Mr. Mwale said.

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He emphasised that producing clean, properly graded and traceable tobacco was essential to securing better market opportunities and maintaining confidence among international buyers.

Mr. Mwale added that improved production standards and responsible industry practices would support the Government’s Grow Zambia, Buy Zambia and Brand Zambia agendas by strengthening the sector’s contribution to rural incomes, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.

The proposed levy review aligns with the Government’s broader ambition to increase domestic production, expand business opportunities and accelerate economic growth by 2031.

TBZ said it would continue engaging growers, buyers and other industry stakeholders to improve compliance, raise awareness of quality requirements and identify practical measures to address challenges affecting the sector.

The Board stressed that the proposed levy reduction remains under consideration as it works towards a tobacco industry that delivers better value to growers while safeguarding product quality, buyer confidence and long-term export competitiveness.

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