TBZ Confident of Meeting 2026 Tobacco Target

The Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) says it is firmly on course to meet its target of purchasing 80 million kilogrammes of tobacco during the 2026 marketing season.

TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale said the board had so far bought 67 million kilogrammes of tobacco, valued at 135 million United States dollars, leaving it well within reach of its goal. He expressed confidence that the target would be met before the marketing season closes on 30th September 2026.

Mr Mwale was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News on the sidelines of the Kulamba Traditional Ceremony in Katete District. He said the strong purchasing figures reflected a productive season and growing momentum in the country's tobacco sector.

Looking ahead, Mr Mwale urged farmers to begin preparing early for the next growing season and to plant drought-resistant seed varieties in order to safeguard their yields. He noted that early preparation would be key to sustaining production amid changing weather patterns.

He also advised farmers to insure their crops against possible losses, citing forecasts of drought in the coming season. Such measures, he said, would help protect farmers' investments and cushion them against the impact of poor weather.

Mr Mwale reaffirmed the board's commitment to supporting growers and strengthening the tobacco industry, which remains an important source of income for many farming households and a valuable contributor to Zambia's agricultural export earnings.