Zimbabwe's cotton sector is set for a significant recovery in 2026, with national output projected to increase by 33% compared to the previous season, according to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA). The forecast is based on a nationwide crop assessment completed in early 2026.
The AMA attributes the expected growth to expanded planting areas and improved access to inputs for smallholder farmers. Cotton is a key cash crop for Zimbabwe, supporting hundreds of thousands of rural households.
However, challenges remain, including erratic rainfall patterns and fluctuating global cotton prices. The government has implemented support programs to stabilize the sector, but long-term sustainability depends on consistent policy and market access.