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The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for opposing anti-smoking regulations in Africa which are already enforced in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders requests plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The corporation is pursuing changes to a draft bill that include lowering the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and watered-down penalties for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” commented the anti-tobacco campaigner.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside broader worries about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials sounded an alarm that the tobacco industry was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“Evidence exists of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN summit conference,” commented the corporate monitoring director.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the cost might be borne in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by including provisions for e-cigarettes, and stipulating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “within the WHO-FCTC suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum one year after the legislation is approved.

The WHO in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the cigarette package face “and aim to cover as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Scented product controversy

The company seeks the withdrawal of extensive controls on flavoured tobacco products, suggesting that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection 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 pending regulation proposes sanctions for different infractions “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia claims the company is dedicated to responsible corporate conduct” and “supports the objectives of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

The campaigner argued 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 circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he said.

“We exist in a international community. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the future family lines while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual 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. It only protects the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson said: “BAT Zambia conducts its operations according with relevant national regulations. Additionally, the company participates in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for interested party involvement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that minors should be shielded from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We support progressive regulation to achieve intended community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, mentioning that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and cigarette sector, which includes growing volumes of illegal commerce”.

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