Tobacco conference opens in Harare tomorrow

The Business Weekly Tobacco Conference kicks off tomorrow, featuring a diverse group of speakers who will make presentations on key issues relating to the tobacco industry.

The conference, to be held at the Rainbow Towers Hotel, will be headlined by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who will be the guest speaker.

Mr Patrick Devenish, the chairperson of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), will deliver a presentation on historical perspectives and future trends in the tobacco industry.

Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa will follow with a similar talk, focusing on the geopolitical perspective.

The TIMB acting chief executive Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire will provide an overview of the current tobacco funding model.

This will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the advantages as well as limitations of the current offshore financing model.

The panel will feature Mr Paul Zakariya, executive director of the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Mr Tapiwa Masedza, an executive at Chevron Tobacco, and Dr Kingstone Mujeyi, an agricultural business development expert at the University of Zimbabwe.

Mr Crispen Mawodza, a former financial sector specialist at the World Bank will make a presentation in the following session.

He will present on alternative local financing models for tobacco production, a topic likely to generate significant interest given the growing focus on using local funding for tobacco production.

The strategy aims to ensure that the country retains more value from the crop.

After Mr Mawodza, economist and businessman Mr Persistence Gwanyanya will present on how Government loan guarantee programmes can enhance tobacco industry funding through local sources.

Ms Linda Manda, global head agricultural consumer sector at Stanbic Bank, will speak on the bank’s role in supporting and building a sustainable tobacco sector.

Following the presentation, a panel discussion will delve into the feasibility and benefits of various financing models.

Also among the top panellists scheduled to speak on various topics are Mr Willing Dizawatiza, representing the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Phineas Mukomberanwa from Tobacco Farmer Talk, and Mr Farai Chirikure, who is the divisional director at POSB.

To ensure a well-rounded conversation, the session will also feature an open discussion segment where all the delegates will have the opportunity to participate.

Presentations on items on the agenda will continue focusing on outstanding key topics. BAZ’s Mr Dizawatiza will speak on the tobacco ecosystem drive and its impact on communities.

Mr Kudakwashe Chiutsi from Pacific Cigarette Company will explore the concept of beneficiation and value addition in the tobacco industry.

Ms Cynthia Tapera, an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and Impact Investing Consultant, will deliver a presentation on sustainability issues as a responsible path for sustainability.

The conference will conclude with a wrap-up session summarising the key takeaways and outlining an action plan.

The registration is ongoing and those interested to participate are advised to visit The Herald House and can alternatively register at the venue.

-herald