HH COMMISSIONS $30 MILLION TOBACCO PROCESSING PLANT

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Posted by admin on November 20, 2025 at 7:08 AM

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Government has commissioned the new $30 million Great Leaf Tobacco Processing Plant; a milestone investment expected to create more than 700 direct jobs and accelerate Zambia’s agricultural modernisation agenda.

The facility was commissioned on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema by  Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo Phiri, who hailed the project as a demonstration of growing investor confidence in Zambia’s economic stability and policy direction.

President Hichilema described the plant as evidence that Zambia is becoming a preferred destination for productive investment:

“This investment illustrates that Zambia is now a preferred destination for productive investments,” he said

He stressed the need to shift from exporting raw commodities to exporting value-added products.

He emphasised that agricultural transformation from subsistence to commercial farming will create decent jobs, boost incomes, and enhance the quality of life for ordinary Zambians.

The President added that Great Leaf’s investment would “restore hope and dignity” for families in Kabwe and urged communities to safeguard the facility to ensure sustained economic benefits.

The plant supports Zambia’s push for crop diversification and value addition, particularly in the tobacco sector, which remains a vital cash crop for farmers in Eastern, Central, and Western provinces. By processing tobacco locally, more value will be retained within the country, increasing farmer earnings and generating employment.

Great Leaf has also launched an out-grower scheme involving over 2,500 small-scale farmers, offering inputs, technical support, and guaranteed markets.

The President called on the company to maintain fairness and transparency, ensuring farmers receive equitable compensation.

Government efforts to strengthen agriculture continue through improved regulations, better access to finance, and enhanced infrastructure. Recent reforms include the Plant Health Act No. 1 of 2025 and the establishment of Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Services (PQPS).

Zambia has also signed a bilateral protocol with China to expand export opportunities, particularly for macadamia nuts.

The country is experiencing notable growth in agricultural output Maize seed exports doubled from 27,000 metric tonnes in 2021 to over 53,000 metric tonnes in 2024, opening doors to European markets and more than 30 climate-smart seed varieties have been released to strengthen food security.

Kabwe has attracted another $30 million Bayer Seed Processing Plant, introduced advanced technologies and supported local value addition, Zambia recently recorded its highest-ever maize harvest, approximately 4 million metric tonnes.

President Hichilema encouraged the private sector to pursue emerging opportunities both locally and abroad, including markets such as Israel, to ensure long-term growth and prosperity for the nation.