Tax revenues generated by the tobacco value chain were valued at $3.7-billion during 2011. Exports of tobacco and related products totalled $1.4-billion in 2011 compared to imports of only $622-million. In the SADC countries, 451,627ha (1.1-million acres) are under tobacco and the sector employs 3.66-million people with 17-million dependants. Formal and informal retailing employs more than 326,000 people with more than one-million dependants.
“Tunawahakikishia wananchi kwamba bidhaa zitakazoletwa katika Tamasha hili zitakuwa zenye viwango vya hali ya juu na tutakuwa makini kuona bidhaa feki hazipati nafasi,” alisitiza Mazrui.Alisema tamasha hilo litagharimu shilingimilioni 140na kila mshiriki wa kigeni atatozwa dola 300, wandani shilingi 200.000 na wajasiriamali watatozwa shilingi 100,000 lakini wataruhusiwa kushirikiana zaidi ya wajasiriamali wawili katika sehemu moja.