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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that currently exist in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a proposed legislation that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” said the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

Chimbala said the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with health policies. Recently, global health authorities sounded an alarm that the smoking product companies was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and requiring that pictorial cautions cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the corporation proposes this be decreased to 30% or 50% “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the law is enacted.

International experts in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The draft bill recommends punishments for various offences “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

Via documentation, the managing director of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and gather the crop and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are perishing … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator said: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with applicable local laws. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which allow for interested party involvement in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, mentioning that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, noting that BAT’s proposals “mirror the circumstances of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.