TBZ Intervenes in Erroneous Loan Recoveries, Urges Affected Growers to Come Forward

The Tobacco Board of Zambia TBZ has called on tobacco growers who had loan recoveries wrongly deducted from their 2025/2026 sales to submit sales reports and copies of their National Registration Cards to the nearest TBZ Regional Office. The Board says some growers were charged for loans they did not contract or authorize.

TBZ Executive Director Robert Mwale said the Board has started a verification process to establish the facts and ensure affected growers receive assistance. He said the matter is being treated with seriousness and that loan recoveries must only be effected against rightful beneficiaries in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Mr. Mwale also directed all licensed tobacco buyers to immediately stop recovering loans from growers who did not contract or authorize them, warning that TBZ will take regulatory action against any buyer found prejudicing farmers.

He said the verification exercise is meant to ensure every legitimate complaint is investigated and resolved according to the law. Growers have been encouraged to submit documentation as soon as possible to support the process and expedite resolution.