Mnangagwa Opens Africa’s Largest Tobacco Processing Plant

A Major Step Towards Value-Added Exports

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened Africa’s largest tobacco processing plant, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s industrial development. The multi-million-dollar expansion at Cut Rag Processors, owned by businessman Simon Rudland, has transformed the facility into a state-of-the-art plant capable of processing 12,000 cigarettes per minute.

The upgraded plant is expected to increase domestic production of cut rag tobacco and finished cigarettes, positioning Zimbabwe as a major exporter of high-value tobacco products.

Speaking at the commissioning event, the plant’s general manager, Lesley Malunga said the expansion will create hundreds of new jobs in processing, packaging, logistics, and engineering, contributing to the country’s economic growth. The tobacco sector already accounts for over 25% of Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings.

Record-Breaking Production

The commissioning of the plant comes at a time when Zimbabwe has achieved a record-breaking 355 million kilograms of tobacco production in 2025, valued at US$1.2 billion, solidifying its position as the world’s sixth-largest producer.

President Mnangagwa praised the investment as a testament to his administration’s pro-business reforms and commitment to industrial modernization.

“This occasion demonstrates Zimbabwe’s on-going industrial resurgence and is testament that ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’,” he said.

He noted that the state-of-the-art facility aligns with the national goal of transitioning from exporting raw materials to producing value-added goods.

“This remarkable capacity is set to consolidate Zimbabwe’s self-sufficiency in tobacco manufacturing and position us as an exporter of high-value finished products,” he added.

Value Addition and Sustainability

Zimbabwe aims to increase value addition in the tobacco sector from 2% to over 30%, with initiatives like the Tobacco Special Economic Zone attracting investment. The country has also launched a nicotine extraction plant, the first of its kind in Africa, which will convert tobacco waste into nicotine and organic fertilizer.

With favorable weather conditions and government support, Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry is poised for continued growth. The focus on value addition, sustainability, and technological advancements will be key to navigating the evolving global market and ensuring the industry’s long-term success.