Tanzania has secured its position as the second-largest tobacco producer in Africa for the 2022/2023 season, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe. In a statement shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter), the minister highlighted that Tanzania's tobacco production has surged from 50,000 tonnes to an impressive 122,858 tonnes during the 2023/2024 season.
Minister Bashe revealed that by the end of December last year, the export value of Tanzanian tobacco stood at 316 million USD, with the ambitious target of reaching 400 million USD in exports.
Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 season, the minister expressed optimism about achieving a production milestone of 200,000 tonnes, moving closer to the set target of 300,000 tonnes by 2025/2026.
In the African context, Zimbabwe holds the lead in tobacco production, generating 296,000 tonnes. Tanzania follows closely, surpassing Malawi (121,000 tonnes), Mozambique (65,800 tonnes), Zambia (44,000 tonnes), and Uganda (13,000 tonnes).
Minister Bashe commended the collaborative efforts of farmers' associations and local tobacco companies. He highlighted a noteworthy achievement, noting that, for the first time, over 50% of Tanzanian tobacco has been traded internationally, entirely facilitated by local companies.
Acknowledging the challenges faced, Minister Bashe expressed his gratitude to the Tobacco Board workers, stating, "It was not an easy journey. I thank all the Tobacco Board workers; we dreamed, we did it, keep pushing. We will become Africa’s No 1 producer."
This remarkable feat underscores Tanzania's growing prominence in the global tobacco market and emphasizes the potential for further growth and leadership in the industry. The minister's positive outlook for the upcoming seasons reflects the country's commitment to continuous agricultural development and economic progress.