Sat, 27 Sep 2025

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 Zimbabwe is tobacco country. But some think the future lies in blueberries

"The future is food, not a bad habit," horticulture specialist Clarence Mwale tells the BBC.
Zimbabwe, Africa's largest tobacco producer, is looking to diversify its economy by becoming the continent's blueberry capital. Thanks to a breakthrough in trade talks with China, Zimbabwe has secured a deal to export blueberries to the world's biggest importer without tariffs. Horticulture specialist Clarence Mwale believes that food production will drive growth and not tobacco sales which have surged to $1.3bn last year, mainly due to increasing demand from China. Blueberry exports currently stand at $30m. China has agreed to exempt Zimbabwean blueberries from tariffs, opening up a massive new market for farmers like Alistair Campbell who co-owns a 50-hectare high-tech farm in Harare. The farm uses imported potting soil and water to grow the blueberries which are then refrigerated to maintain freshness. Global demand is increasing for blueberries due to their nutrient-rich profile, with Zimbabwe's early harvest season giving it an advantage over major competitors like Peru. Zimbabwe's production is expected to rise by 50% to 12,000 tonnes this year. The country currently trails Morocco and South Africa in blueberry production but has the potential to become a significant player after securing access to China's market. The agreement between Zimbabwe and China offers local producers an opportunity to tap into one of the world's fastest-growing markets. Farmers are now looking for capital to boost production to 30,000 tonnes by 2030, with Clarence Mwale pushing more small-scale farmers to get involved in blueberry farming. The industry currently employs about 6,000 people, mostly women who can earn a living from growing the delicate fruit.
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