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British American Tobacco has been accused of “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures 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 nation's political leaders asks for measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be canceled or deferred.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and watered-down penalties for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among community advocacy networks.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about industry interference with health policies. In recent weeks, global health authorities issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN international gathering,” stated the corporate monitoring director.

Possible outcomes

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the price could be paid in individuals' health who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The anti-smoking legislation going through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and requiring that visual health alerts cover 75% of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Through correspondence, the company recommends this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than one year after the legislation is approved.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least 50% of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. In the UK, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests banning a limited selection of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for multiple violations “extending from a fraction of annual sales to ten-year jail sentences”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “supports the objectives of governments to reduce smoking incidence and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We live in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and harvest that and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral bankruptcy.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had not caused companies to close, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The company representative commented: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not against rules”, the spokesperson stated, adding that underage people should be protected from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We advocate for progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while recognizing the range of privileges and responsibilities on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” they said, noting that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was approached for comment.