Main tobacco leaf exporters in 2024 in Africa
A report on 2024 African tobacco leaf exports identifies Zimbabwe as the continent's leading exporter. The data highlights the concentration of production within Southern and East African nations.
Why it matters
This data is critical for understanding regional economic dependencies and the global tobacco supply chain.
Zimbabwe emerged as the undisputed leader of Africa’s tobacco leaf export market in 2024, commanding nearly half of the continent's total exports.
Trade statistics released in a World Health Organization report on August 31, 2026, show Zimbabwe accounting for 48.51% of total African tobacco leaf exports, far outpacing its regional peers.
Malawi secured the second position, generating 20.06% of total African exports, followed by the United Republic of Tanzania, which contributed 14.49%. Together, these top three nations account for over 83% of all tobacco leaf exported from the continent.
Further down the rankings, Mozambique recorded 7.35% of total exports, while neighbouring Zambia trailed closely behind at 6.82%.
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