Stakeholders
Our Key Stakeholders
The Tobacco Leaf Exporters Association of Zimbabwe (TLEAZ) works closely with various organizations across the tobacco value chain to ensure the sustainable growth and development of Zimbabwe's tobacco industry. Our stakeholders include research institutions, regulatory bodies, farmer organizations, and environmental initiatives that collectively support the production, marketing, and export of quality tobacco while promoting sustainable farming practices. These partnerships are essential in maintaining Zimbabwe's position as Africa's largest tobacco producer and a leading player in the global tobacco market. Below are the key organizations that work alongside TLEAZ to advance the interests of all participants in Zimbabwe's tobacco sector.
Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA)
The Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA) was formed in 2014 by the tobacco merchants and the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board to address deforestation caused by tobacco curing in Zimbabwe. The tobacco merchants contribute 1.5% of the value of tobacco purchased from growers, which uses the money to finance the establishment of woodlots in tobacco-growing provinces and fund research into alternative methods for curing tobacco. Today, SAA oversees 25,000 hectares of eucalyptus woodlots on land belonging to large-scale tobacco producers, schools, churches, and other landowners.
Contact: letstalktrees@saazimbabwe.org
Website: http://saazimbabwe.org
Kutsaga Research Station
Kutsaga Research Station is the world-renowned tobacco research facility established in 1950 under the Tobacco Research Act, with its mandate to direct, control and carry out tobacco research in Zimbabwe. Located on the outskirts of Harare, Kutsaga has exclusive rights to flue-cured research in Zimbabwe, and all varieties of tobacco sold in Zimbabwe must be those recommended by the station. The organisation focuses on developing elite varieties and innovative agro-based technical services to maximise economic value from sustainable tobacco production.
Website: www.kutsaga.co.zw
Email: kutsaga@kutsaga.co.zw
Facebook: Kutsaga Research
Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)
The Tobacco Industry & Marketing Board (TIMB) is a Zimbabwean regulatory and advisory statutory board whose functions include controlling and regulating the growing, marketing and exporting of tobacco in Zimbabwe. Established through the Tobacco Marketing and Levy Act in 1936, TIMB registers all types of tobacco growers, controls and regulates the exchange of all Zimbabwean produced tobacco between growers and merchants, and licenses tobacco buyers, auction floors and commercial graders. TIMB also runs special projects to assist growers, including centralized tobacco production facilities and irrigation infrastructure development programs.
Website: www.timb.co.zw
Email: info@timb.co.zw
Twitter/X: @timb_zw
Facebook: Tobacco Industry & Marketing Board
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU)
Since its founding in 1991, the Zimbabwe Farmers Union has evolved into a dynamic institution dedicated to empowering farmers through policy advocacy, training, market access support, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices. The ZFU was born on August 19, 1991, following the merger of Zimbabwe National Farmers Union and the National Farmers Association of Zimbabwe, making it the single national representation of more than 90% of the farmers in the country. The union represents farmers of all scales, from communal and smallholder farmers to large-scale commercial producers.
Website: www.zfu.org.zw
Phone: +263 242 252474
Address: 5 Van Praagh Avenue, Milton Park, Harare
Facebook: Zimbabwe Farmers' Union
Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA)
Formed in 1928, the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA) has represented tobacco producers for nearly a century, aiming to promote and sustainably develop Zimbabwe's flue-cured tobacco industry while advancing and protecting the interests of all sections and classes of producers. ZTA represents grower concerns and views on all tobacco-related issues locally and is also a founding member of the International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA). The association provides tobacco marketing information, cost analysis, linkages with contract growing companies, and legal representation on tobacco-related issues.
Website: www.zta.co.zw
Phone: +263 4 797010/11
Email: sigauke@zta.co.zw
Address: 108 Prince Edward Street, Milton Park, Harare
Twitter/X: @TobaccoZimbabwe
Facebook: Zimbabwe Tobacco Association
Forestry Commission (FC)
2Forestry Commission (FC) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry. The Commission was created in 1954 through the Forest Act (Cap 19:05) from which it derives its mandate, as well as the Communal Land Forest, Produce Act (Cap 19:04). FC is responsible for the regulation, management and conservation of forest resources and managing gazetted indigenous forests which cover about 0.8% of the total surface area of the country.
Website: www.forestry.co.zw
Phone: +263 24 249 8436 – 9
Address: 1 Orange Grove Box HG 139 Highlands Harare, Zimbabwe
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