Zimbabwe’s cotton production increased by 26 percent to 77 212 metric tonnes in the 2025/26 agricultural season, up from 61 289 tonnes recorded in the previous year, buoyed by improved payment systems for farmers.
The crop remains a key pillar of the country’s agricultural economy, ranking as the second-largest export earner after tobacco, and providing livelihoods for more than 400 000 households.
A significant portion of the production feeds export markets, with about 70 percent of lint shipped abroad, while the remainder supports domestic industries such as textiles and cooking oil manufacturing.
Information minister Zhemu Soda said government had endorsed a series of measures aimed at sustaining momentum in the agricultural sector, with particular focus on cotton.
“Cabinet adopted the revitalisation of the cotton industry through a tailored corporate rescue initiative for the relevant State-owned enterprise,” he said in an update following a Cabinet meeting.
Cottco – the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe – is the country’s largest cotton-producing entity, holding an 85 percent market share.
The company is primarily controlled by the Zimbabwean government through the Mutapa Investment Fund, which holds a significant 37.1 percet stake.
It controls the processing and marketing of cotton, and also manages major ginneries in the country.
Soda said that authorities were prioritising faster payments to growers as part of broader efforts to strengthen confidence in the sector.
“The other key strategic intervention is the expeditious payment of farmers for cotton deliveries,” he said.
Policy support has also been extended through fiscal measures outlined in the 2026 National Budget.
Government indicated that, given increased investment and rising local production of cotton and polyester-based fabrics, it would review tariffs on competing imports.
This includes addressing inconsistencies in product classification, which have resulted in varying duty structures.
To support domestic producers, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has proposed aligning customs duties on selected polyester staple fibres with those applied to dyed cotton fabrics.
The new rate is set at 40 percent plus US$2.50 per kilogramme.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to existing industry frameworks, including the 70/30 lint supply arrangement.
Under this policy, cotton ginners are required to allocate at least 30 percent of lint to local spinners, with the balance exported.
The measure is intended to ensure adequate raw materials for local value addition while maintaining export earnings. – TML