Emmerson Njanjamangezi, Group Features Editor 
BRITISH American Tobacco Zimbabwe (BAT) says it is planning to increase renewable energy use across its operations this year in a bid to reduce carbon emissions.
This comes as the listed tobacco processing firm strives to operate its business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner in line with the government’s tobacco value chain transformation plan.
In a statement accompanying the group’s financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2021, BAT chairman Lovemore Manatsa said the group continues to strengthen its systems to address both environmental and social aspects associated with operations.
BAT chairman, Lovemore Manatsa
“In 2021 we raised the bar with our sustainability agenda and we intend to reduce our carbon footprint as a group by increasing our renewable energy use and achieving 100 percent renewable energy use in our operational sites by 2030.
“To this end, we are gradually switching to solar power for all our trade depots sites and to date, we have built solar sites for two depots. We also aim to increase the amount of water recycled to 30 percent by 2025,” he said.
To build resilience in farming communities, Manatsa said BAT established the Tobacco Empowerment Trust in 2015.
“The main thrust of the trust is to empower indigenous farmers with both technical and financial assistance and to help build best agricultural practices,” he added.
BAT recorded a positive volume performance in 2021 driven by increased consumer demand, increased export of cut-rag tobacco, consistent product supply, and the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The cigarette manufacturer recorded a 25 percent volume growth from the sale of cigarettes compared to the same period last year on the back of increased demand and improved access to the market.
BAT contributed $2,1 billion in taxes during the year, an increase from $894 million recorded in prior year, with key contributors being excise duty and corporate tax driven by the increases in selling price of products and the profit generated before taxation.
Manatsa said cash generated from operations was $1,6 billion compared to cash utilised from operations of $49 million in the previous year due to the significantly improved operating profit and a decrease in trade and other receivables.
