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The tobacco company stands accused of “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands plans to ban tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be abandoned or delayed.

The tobacco firm seeks changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and perpetuate the death of the Zambian people,” stated the anti-tobacco campaigner.

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

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside expanded apprehension about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, WHO officials issued a warning that the smoking product companies was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence everywhere. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” said the corporate monitoring director.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, the corporation proposes this be decreased to thirty to fifty percent “following international recommended threshold”, delayed for at least twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a alert needs to encompass at least half of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings must cover nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation suggests penalties for multiple violations “varying from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of British American Tobacco Zambia says the corporation is focused on responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “weaken this legislation so much that the required influence for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “complete contradiction”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my property and collect the yield and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the UK or elsewhere had failed to shutter businesses, the advocate mentioned. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with current country statutes. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in regulation development.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, the representative commented, mentioning that minors should be safeguarded against acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to accomplish desired community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of economic activities and commercial operations was approached for comment.