Matsvaire appointed substantive TIMB CEO

STAFF WRITER

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has confirmed the appointment of Emmanuel Matsvaire as its substantive CEO, following his interim stewardship since September 2022.

His confirmation, which took effect on June 10, 2025, marks a critical step towards institutional continuity and signals a renewed focus on maximising the potential of Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector—one of the country’s most valuable foreign currency earners.

Before taking up the acting CEO role, Matsvaire served as TIMB’s Chief Operating Officer and has a strong academic and professional grounding in agriculture, economics, and strategic operations.

His elevation to the top post was endorsed by the TIMB board and formally approved by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, as well as the President.

“Mr. Matsvaire is now the substantive CEO. He was appointed by the Minister and the President. We are pleased to have him leading the organisation at such a critical juncture for the industry,” said TIMB Board Chair Pat Devenish.

“There’s a lot of important work ahead, and the board is excited about the direction he intends to take.”

Matsvaire brings a comprehensive academic portfolio and a deep understanding of the tobacco value chain.

He holds an MSc in Development Economics from Bindura University of Science Education, an MSc in Agribusiness from Africa University, a BSc (Hons) in Operations Research and Statistics from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), and a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management from Midlands State University. He is also currently pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Zimbabwe.

The TIMB, a statutory regulatory and advisory body, plays a central role in overseeing the production, marketing, and export of tobacco—an industry that remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports.

With Matsvaire now confirmed at the helm, the sector is expected to undergo targeted reforms aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing value addition, and boosting the industry’s global competitiveness.

His appointment comes at a time when Zimbabwe is actively working to raise agriculture’s contribution to GDP through beneficiation, climate-smart practices, and improved access to international markets. Matsvaire is expected to lead efforts that align the tobacco industry with these broader national objectives.

Industry observers say his immediate task will be to translate strategic vision into actionable outcomes that benefit key stakeholders—particularly smallholder farmers, exporters, and the national economy at large. Enhancing farmer viability, improving auction systems, enforcing compliance, and advancing traceability are expected to top his agenda.

With a steady hand and a clear mandate, Matsvaire’s leadership could mark a new chapter for Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, one that combines regulatory rigour with innovation and market-oriented growth.