Tobacco Revenues Hit US$87.9 Million

Zambia's tobacco sector has enjoyed a strong run this marketing season, with sales approaching US$88 million on the back of more than 43 million kilogrammes of leaf sold so far.

According to figures from the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ), a total of 43.17 million kilogrammes has changed hands, earning growers and industry players US$87.95 million in revenue.

Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco remained the engine of the market. The crop accounted for 36.72 million kilogrammes, sold at an average of US$1.98 per kilogramme, to bring in US$72.63 million. Burley tobacco, though traded in far smaller volumes of 6.45 million kilogrammes, commanded a stronger average price of US$2.38 and contributed a further US$15.31 million. In short, while Burley earned more per kilogramme, it was the sheer volume of Flue-Cured Virginia that drove the season's earnings.

The performance underlines tobacco's enduring role as one of Zambia's leading agricultural exports and a vital source of income for thousands of small-scale and commercial farmers nationwide. Analysts say the figures point to sustained international demand for Zambian leaf, even as average prices remain under pressure in a shifting global market.

The TBZ has in recent years stepped up efforts to boost production efficiency, raise quality standards and widen market access, all part of a drive to strengthen the sector's contribution to foreign exchange earnings.