Tobacco farmers call for greater investment, policy

By MUBITA KATETE

THE Tobacco Association of Zambia (TAZ) has called for increased investment, innovative financing mechanisms and continued policy reforms aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Zambia’s tobacco industry amid growing global market pressures.

Speaking during the 61st Annual Congress of the Tobacco Association of Zambia held at Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka yesterday, Sianga Musheke the TAZ president said the tobacco sector has remained a critical contributor to export earnings, employment creation and rural economic development, despite growing international competition and evolving market demands.

Mr Musheke said this year’s congress theme, “Building a Competitive and Sustainable Tobacco Industry in a Changing Global Market,” was a reflection of the urgent need for Zambia’s tobacco sector to adapt to shifting global realities, including stricter sustainability requirements and climate-related risks affecting agricultural production.

He said while recent market conditions have presented challenges for growers, they have also highlighted the importance of innovation, efficiency and lowering production costs in order to remain competitive on the international market.

“The future success of our industry will depend on our ability to adapt, innovate and position ourselves strategically within an increasingly competitive global market,” Mr Musheke said.

He commended government for maintaining open dialogue with farmers and industry stakeholders, particularly welcoming the recent decision to reduce the tobacco levy from 2 percent to 1.5 percent, describing the move as a positive step toward creating a more competitive operating environment for producers.

Mr Musheke, however, said more needs to be done to improve farmer profitability, including addressing council levies and expanding access to affordable financing for investment in irrigation, mechanisation and climate adaptation technologies.

He proposed the establishment of an Agriculture Development Fund and other sustainable financing models to help unlock growth across the agricultural sector.

The TAZ President also said that the future of Zambia’s tobacco industry should no longer be measured solely by production volumes but by the value retained locally through processing, manufacturing, industrialisation and skills development.

He said the association strongly supports the proposed Public-Private Partnership One-Stop Tobacco Industry Park, saying the initiative has the potential to transform the sector by expanding opportunities for research, logistics, manufacturing and export development.

“The future of our industry should not be measured solely by the volume of tobacco produced, but increasingly by the value retained within our economy through processing, manufacturing, skills development and industrialisation,” he said.

Mr Musheke further said the sector must prepare for the growing realities of climate change, warning that future competitiveness will increasingly depend on investment in irrigation development, water harvesting technologies and climate-smart agriculture.

He welcomed the new Tobacco Act and Tobacco Regulations of 2026, saying government’s consultative approach in sector reforms demonstrates commitment to accountability, sustainability and orderly development of the industry.

Mr Musheke said tobacco production continues to support thousands of livelihoods and remains an important contributor to export earnings and rural economic growth, adding that policy decisions affecting the sector should remain balanced and evidence-based.