Zimbabwe to Become Regional Vape Production Hub
Zimbabwe is poised to become a regional hub in the tobacco value chain, with plans for a multi-billion dollar vape production factory that will extract nicotine from tobacco by-products.
The factory, tentatively set to be located in Karoi in the country’s largest tobacco-producing district of Hurungwe, will process tobacco not only from Zimbabwe but also from neighboring countries like Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
“There is going to be a very big industry to extract nicotine from the by-products after selecting the premium tobacco leaves,” said former Zimbabwean Ambassador to China, Christopher Mutsvangwa.
The project is being spearheaded by Chinese firms, who are attracted by Zimbabwe’s high tobacco production levels. Once established, the factory is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for Zimbabweans.
In addition to the vape factory, Zimbabwe is also set to become a major producer of cannabis seeds, with plans for a $400 million factory. An initial $30 million has already been invested in cannabis production, with a further $400 million earmarked for the seed production facility.
These projects are part of President Mnangagwa’s efforts to drive economic growth through large-scale investments. Other major initiatives include the Mapinga Energy Park, which will produce lithium batteries using Zimbabwean lithium and materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Karoi.
“The President is set to break ground for the Mapinga Energy Park, which will produce lithium batteries,” Mutsvangwa said. “This is also expected to position the country for cellphone production.”
With these running and upcoming projects, Mashonaland West province is positioning itself as an industrial hub, complementing the Manhize Steel Plant that has already commenced operations. Plans are also underway to establish a railway line linking the port of Beira and Manhize, further strengthening the country’s infrastructure and currency, the ZIG.
