The speech delivered at the World Tobacco Africa Expo welcomes attendees to the first Africa Leaf Tobacco Conference and exhibition, organised by Quartz Business Events and the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB). The TIMB Chairman highlights the event as a platform for industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities, share innovations, and form partnerships.
The Zimbabwe government supports the tobacco industry's growth, aiming to transform it into a $5 billion industry by 2025 through increased production, localised financing, value addition, and exports. Zimbabwe, a major global tobacco producer, significantly contributes to the market, with small-scale farmers producing most of its tobacco.
The speech acknowledges the evolving landscape and challenges of the tobacco industry, including changing consumer preferences, regulatory shifts, and sustainability demands. The need for sustainable farming practices and reduced environmental impact is emphasised, with commendations for Zimbabwe's innovative solutions, such as Gas Curing technology trials.
The TIMB also promotes research, development, and alternative crops to align with consumer trends. Efforts to increase tobacco value addition, particularly in cigarette manufacturing, are highlighted, along with the potential of new tobacco products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
The Chairman calls for collaboration among industry peers, government representatives, and experts to drive growth and innovation. The speech concludes with gratitude to organizers and participants and the hope that the Expo will inspire and foster meaningful connections for a sustainable future.
An essential gathering of tobacco professionals from across the continent, the Africa Leaf Conference at World Tobacco Africa will be a hub of discussion, debate and discovery aimed at supporting the future growth of the leaf tobacco industry in the region.
Free to attend, the Exhibition at World Tobacco Africa will showcase suppliers to the leaf sector, as well as the latest materials and machinery for manufacturers of tobacco and cigarettes.
Quartz Business Events, owners of the world's largest network of tobacco-related trade shows in the world is pleased to announce that World Tobacco Africa will take place in Zimbabwe on 15-16 May 2024.
Held in proud partnership with the Tobacco Industry & Marketing Board, the event will host the all-new Africa Leaf Tobacco Conference alongside an exhibition of suppliers to the industry.
Expected to be an essential gathering of senior industry professionals from across the continent, World Tobacco Africa will be a hub of discussion, debate and discovery aimed at supporting the future growth of the leaf tobacco industry in the region.
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