Zimbabwe has been named among the top six African countries excelling in agriculture, following impressive growth in tobacco and blueberry production that cements its role in regional and global food security.
This recognition places Zimbabwe alongside South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Madagascar, and Malawi as the continent’s leading crop producers.
According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), Zimbabwe achieved a record-breaking tobacco harvest of 350 million kilogrammes in 2024, valued at about US$1.16 billion. This figure surpassed last year’s output of 296 million kilogrammes, marking a turning point for the nation’s farming sector.
In blueberry farming, Zimbabwe plans to boost production by at least 50 per cent to 12,000 tonnes this year, with long-term projections targeting 30,000 tonnes by 2030.
Experts note that the country’s unique climatic conditions give its blueberries a distinct advantage in size, flavour, and texture, making them competitive on international markets.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy.
Speaking at the Productivity Booster Kit Programme launch in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central, he reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing output through climate-smart and mechanised farming.
“Our vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030 remains anchored by a vibrant and robust agriculture sector”.
“We must continue to guarantee food security, food sovereignty, improved nutrition security, and better living standards for our people,” Mnangagwa said.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural growth has been supported by the Second Republic’s focus on mechanisation, export development, and the Agriculture, Food System and Rural Transformation Strategy (2020–2025).
Across Africa, various nations are thriving in specialised crops. South Africa leads in maize and apples, Madagascar dominates vanilla, and Malawi produces mangoes and sweet potatoes.
Nigeria stands out in rice, cassava, and ginger, while Ethiopia leads in coffee and honey. Côte d’Ivoire remains the world’s leading cocoa producer, and Benin drives cotton output.
Source: Herald Online
