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The tobacco company stands 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 sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers demands measures restricting tobacco marketing and promotional activities to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on scented cigarette varieties, and diminished punishments for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“If I was a politician, I would say that they enable the defense of the British people and continue the mortality of the Zambian people,” commented the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year die from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to WHO calculations.

The campaigner stated the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about corporate intervention with health policies. Last month, global health authorities raised concerns that the cigarette manufacturers was increasing attempts to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of industry lobbying globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on deferred levy rises in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said Jorge Alday.

Possible outcomes

“If a tobacco control measure isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in lives of people who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The public health measure progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that pictorial cautions cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be lowered to 30% or 50% “following international suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

The WHO in fact recommends a caution must occupy at least 50% of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy nearly two-thirds of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for multiple violations “varying from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary states the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the associated health impact” but maintains that “certain measures can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Campaigner rebuttal

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he stated.

“We live in a global village. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and collect the yield and sell it out – and my offspring don't use tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are dying … is in itself complete moral failure.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

A BAT Zambia spokesperson commented: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which allow for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the representative commented, noting that underage people should be protected from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to accomplish desired population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on corporations, customers and associated groups,” they said, adding that the company's suggestions “mirror the circumstances of the African nation's economy and cigarette sector, which encompasses rising levels of black market activity”.

The country's office of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.