Story by Tendai Munengwa
ZIMBABWE has received a significant boost following the completion of a multi-million-dollar manufacturing plant by an Indian company, which will convert tobacco waste into nicotine and organic fertiliser.
The establishment of the plant in Harare marks a notable development in the ongoing efforts to add value to and transform the country’s tobacco industry.
The Indian company, African Extracts, has invested in this groundbreaking facility, which is the first of its kind to be established in Africa for the conversion of tobacco waste into nicotine.
Officials from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), alongside representatives from the Indian company, visited the plant this Thursday to observe its progress.
“This type of manufacturing plant is the first of its kind in Africa after the ones in India and China. We are ready to start the process as soon as we start receiving the tobacco residues from the industry,” African Extracts Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sunny Sethi said.
The coming on board of the Indian investor will unlock huge value for farmers and the nation at large as the nicotine will be used in the production of medicine and pesticides and has a ready export market.
“This investment is a milestone achievement in our government’s thrust to value add tobacco. It brings economic value to the tobacco which has been considered to be waste, there is going to be medicinal, pesticides and fertilizer benefits from the production,” TIMB, Acting Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Emmanuel Matsvaire said.
Apart from value addition, the company will create employment.
This new venture is expected to contribute significantly to Zimbabwe’s tobacco value addition strategy and enhance the economic potential of the sector.
