Zim to benefit from multimillion tobacco waste processing plant

A new multimillion-dollar tobacco waste processing plant, backed by an Indian investor, is set to significantly boost the industry, provide additional income to farmers and contribute towards the economy.

This facility which will be the first of its kind in Africa and the third globally, will specialise in the extraction of nicotine, following similar plants in India and China.

During a visit at the plant, African Extracts Private Limited in Harare yesterday Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) acting chief executive, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire, expressed optimism about the plant’s potential impact.

He emphasised that this initiative could dramatically increase the value addition of tobacco in Zimbabwe, which currently stands at a mere 10percent.

Government has set an ambitious target to push this figure to 30percent and the new processing plant is a crucial step in achieving that goal.

“The waste from nicotine extraction can be converted into organic fertilisers, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional ones,” Mr Matsvaire said.

Traditionally, tobacco waste was discarded or given away for free, but this innovative approach aims to recover its economic value.

By transforming what was once considered waste into valuable products, the plant promises not only financial returns but also a sustainable solution to waste management in the agricultural sector.

The environmental benefits of this initiative cannot be overstated.

The factory will process large quantities of tobacco waste, producing significant amounts of nicotine, which has diverse applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and pest control.

Mr Matsvaire said they are extracting two percent of nicotine from the waste, which is then exported to Europe.

This process not only generates revenue but also positions Zimbabwe as a player in the global market for nicotine-based products.

African Extracts chief executive, Mr Sonny Singh, emphasised the importance of collaboration among farmers and processors to optimise the processing of tobacco waste.

“We are processing 20 tonnes per day with a goal of reaching 1 200 tonnes monthly,” Mr Singh said.

This ambitious target underscores the factory’s capacity to handle substantial volumes of waste, turning it into economically valuable products.

Mr Singh also highlighted the educational component of the initiative.

“We have a lot of experts teaching the local population to handle the nicotine properly, ensuring that all raw materials are sourced locally,” he said.

The plant’s establishment is poised to create numerous job opportunities, enhancing local expertise and contributing to overall economic development.

As Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a hub for agricultural innovation, this investment represents a significant opportunity for the country.

The potential for job creation, combined with increased income for farmers, reinforces the importance of this initiative in transforming the agricultural landscape.

In addition to the economic benefits, the plant aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

By converting waste into organic fertilisers and other valuable products, the initiative supports eco-friendly practices that are essential for the future of agriculture in the region.

As the plant moves towards full operational capacity, it is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue, further solidifying Zimbabwe’s position in the agricultural market.

This ground breaking project highlights the importance of innovation and value addition in transforming agricultural waste into profitable products, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the economy as a whole.

The new tobacco waste processing plant stands as a beacon of hope for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.

By harnessing the value of tobacco waste, this initiative not only promises economic growth but also paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.-herald