Zimbabwe Advances Agro-Industrial Growth with Africa’s First Nicotine Extraction Plant.

By Caroline Ameh

In a major boost to its agro-industrial sector, Zimbabwe has launched Africa’s first nicotine extraction plant, positioning itself as a leader in tobacco value addition and industrial innovation. The multi-million-dollar facility, operated by African Extracts Private Limited, officially opened on Friday, March 17, in Harare’s Waterfalls industrial area.

Backed by prominent Indian investor Mr. Sunny Sethi, the facility is the only one of its kind in Africa, joining a select group of similar plants in India and China. The investment reinforces Zimbabwe’s status as a prime destination for international capital, particularly from the Global South.

Zimbabwe is one of the world’s top producers of flue-cured tobacco, but only 10% of its crop undergoes local value addition. The government aims to increase this to 30%, aligning with its broader economic transformation agenda. The commissioning of this plant is a crucial step toward achieving this goal, benefiting both farmers and the wider economy.

The facility specializes in extracting high-grade nicotine from tobacco waste, transforming what was once discarded biomass into a high-value industrial commodity. The extracted nicotine will be exported to markets in the United States and Europe, where it is used in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Additionally, the plant will convert post-extraction waste into organic fertilisers, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fertilisers for Zimbabwean farmers.

Speaking at the launch, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) acting CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Matsvaire, hailed the investment as a transformational milestone for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. He noted that the facility would increase the commercial utilization of tobacco waste, boost export earnings, and improve farmer profitability. Mr. Matsvaire also highlighted the plant’s environmental benefits, particularly in promoting sustainable farming practices.

African Extracts CEO, Mr. Sunny Sethi, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Zimbabwe’s industrial and agricultural development. He stated that the plant currently processes 20 tonnes of tobacco waste daily, with plans to scale up to 1,200 tonnes per month. Mr. Sethi also emphasized the company’s investment in training local personnel on safe nicotine handling and waste management, ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building within Zimbabwe.

The project exemplifies the growing South-South cooperation, with India expanding its investment footprint in Africa’s industrial sector. Mr. Sethi’s investment highlights Zimbabwe’s emerging role as a hub for sustainable industrial ventures, deepening its economic ties with global partners.

African Extracts is also expanding its operations across Africa, including investments in Kenya, as part of its broader mission to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential through innovation and responsible investment.

The nicotine extraction plant aligns with Zimbabwe’s economic reform agenda, which prioritizes value addition, agro-industrialisation, and export diversification. By converting agricultural by-products into valuable commodities, the plant is enhancing Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry competitiveness, supporting job creation, rural development, and sustainable environmental practices.

The facility’s ability to produce organic fertilisers from tobacco waste also positions Zimbabwe as a leader in green agricultural technologies. This initiative will help reduce chemical fertiliser dependency, improve soil health, and enhance food security across the country.

With projects like African Extracts’ nicotine extraction plant, Zimbabwe continues to attract high-value investors, strengthening its industrial and agricultural potential. The country is proving to be a reliable investment destination, fostering partnerships that integrate technology, capital, and expertise to drive national development.

As South-South collaboration gains momentum, this initiative serves as a model for economic transformation, showcasing how emerging economies can work together to unlock new opportunities and foster inclusive growth.