Fifteen tobacco farmers from Chipata, Chadiza, Mambwe, and Chipangali districts have dragged Haven Tobacco Zambia Limited to court, alleging failure to pay for tobacco supplied during the 2025 marketing season.
The matter is before the Chipata Subordinate Court of the First Class, where the farmers have jointly sued Haven Tobacco Zambia Limited as the first defendant and the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) as the second defendant.
Among the plaintiffs are Richard Zimba, Craig Nkhuwa, Victor Banda, William Zulu, Gilbert Kasaro, and ten other farmers. According to court documents, the farmers are demanding more than K800,000, which they claim is owed for tobacco sold in Chipata District.
In addition to the outstanding payments, the farmers are seeking damages for breach of contract, mental anguish, interest, and legal costs.
Both defendants, whose offices are based in Lusaka, have been summoned to appear before the Chipata Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 14 January, to respond to the claims.
This is not the first time the dispute has surfaced. In 2025, the farmers reportedly took the matter before Paramount Chief Mpezeni, seeking traditional intervention. During that meeting, Haven Tobacco—allegedly in the presence of the Tobacco Board of Zambia as a witness—promised to settle the outstanding payments within five days. The farmers, however, say the commitment was never honored.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Tobacco Board of Zambia proved unsuccessful by press time. The institution indicated that it would issue a statement at a later date.
The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns over delayed payments in the tobacco sector, an issue that continues to affect small-scale farmers who rely on timely compensation to sustain their livelihoods.
By Samuel Mbewe
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