Zimbabwe Becomes Investment Hub with Launch of Africa’s First Nicotine Extraction Plant

By Iyojo Ameh

Zimbabwe has taken a major step forward in its agricultural and industrial sectors with the inauguration of Africa’s first nicotine extraction plant. The multi-million-dollar facility, established by African Extracts Private Limited, officially commenced operations on Friday, March 17, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to increase value addition in the tobacco industry.

Backed by renowned Indian investor Mr. Sunny Sethi, the state-of-the-art facility is located in Harare’s Waterfalls industrial area and was built entirely from the ground up. It stands as the only plant of its kind in Africa, joining a small network of similar facilities in India and China. The investment further cements Zimbabwe’s status as a prime destination for international capital, particularly from the Global South.

Zimbabwe is a leading producer of flue-cured tobacco, yet only 10% of its tobacco crop undergoes local value addition. The government aims to raise this figure to 30%, aligning with its broader economic transformation agenda. The commissioning of African Extracts’ plant is a key step in achieving this target, offering new opportunities for farmers and the wider economy.

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

At the plant’s opening ceremony, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) acting CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Matsvaire, praised the investment as a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. He emphasized that the facility would increase the commercial utilization of tobacco waste, boosting export revenue and improving farmer profitability. Mr. Matsvaire also highlighted the plant’s environmental benefits, particularly its role in reducing waste through the production of organic fertilisers.

African Extracts CEO, Mr. Sunny Sethi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s industrial and agricultural development. He revealed 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 noted that the company is investing in knowledge transfer and capacity building, training local personnel in safe nicotine handling and modern waste management practices.

The project is a reflection of growing South-South cooperation, with India emerging as a strong economic partner for African nations. Mr. Sethi’s investment highlights the deepening trade and industrial ties between India and Zimbabwe, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a key hub for sustainable industrial ventures.

African Extracts is also expanding its footprint 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 beneficiation, value addition, agro-industrialisation, and export diversification. By transforming agricultural by-products into valuable commodities, the plant is enhancing Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry competitiveness while supporting national goals of job creation, rural development, and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the production of organic fertilisers from tobacco waste positions Zimbabwe as a leader in green agricultural technologies. As African nations seek to balance productivity and sustainability, the facility’s operations offer a model for reducing chemical fertiliser reliance, improving soil health, and enhancing food security.

With ventures like African Extracts’ nicotine extraction plant, Zimbabwe is proving itself as a reliable investment destination. The country continues to attract high-value investors, fostering partnerships that integrate technology, capital, and expertise to accelerate national development.

As the world embraces South-South collaboration, this project stands as a testament to what emerging economies can achieve when they invest in one another, unlocking new economic opportunities and driving inclusive growth.