Story by Tendai Munengwa
THE Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has directed all licensed Class A tobacco buyers to participate at every auction floor beginning Monday, 18 May, as authorities move to strengthen competition and improve service delivery for growers.
In a directive, TIMB Chief Executive Officer Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire said the measure is aimed at improving market efficiency across the country’s tobacco marketing system.
“All Class A Buyers are hereby directed to ensure their presence and active participation at all the three auction floors commencing Monday, 18 May 2026,” Mr Matsvaire said.
The directive comes amid growing concern from farmers over low tobacco prices and delays at auction floors, with government recently ordering reforms to improve operations and competition within the sector.
TIMB said the order was issued in terms of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Act [Chapter 18:20], which empowers the board to prescribe duties for licensed buyers and enforce compliance measures.
“This measure is intended to strengthen competition, enhance market efficiency, and improve service delivery to growers across all auction platforms,” Mr Matsvaire said.
Under the new directive, buyers are required to deploy adequate buying teams and resources to each auction floor throughout the marketing season.
TIMB said participation would be monitored through attendance registers maintained at all auction floors.
“Buyers’ attendance registers shall be maintained at all auction floors,” the statement said.
The board warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract penalties under the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Act.
“Non-compliance may result in penalties being levied in terms of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Act,” Mr Matsvaire said.
