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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Campaign in Zambia

Documents seen by journalists originating from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the African officials requests proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The tobacco firm seeks amendments to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the suggested dimensions of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavored smoking items, and reduced sanctions for any companies violating the new laws.

Activist commentary

“As an elected official, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said the health advocate.

Thousands of residents a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to global health agency statistics.

Chimbala said the letter was understood to have been copied to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among public interest organizations.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. Last month, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in individuals' health who might otherwise quit smoking.”

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

Company alternative suggestions

Via documentation, the company recommends this be lowered to thirty to fifty percent “according to global suggested parameters”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a caution must occupy at least fifty percent of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings need to encompass nearly two-thirds of a packet’s front and back.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, arguing that it would drive users to “illicitly sold” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “varying from a fraction of annual sales to a decade in prison”.

Corporate defense

Via documentation, the managing director of the African subsidiary claims the corporation is focused on ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the connected wellbeing effects” but asserts that “certain measures can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The campaigner argued BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. When I cultivate smoking products in my back yard and collect the yield and market the products – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbor's family uses … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself absolute spiritual collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Regulations don't close the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Formal company response

A BAT Zambia spokesperson stated: “The company operates its operations according with relevant national regulations. Further, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The corporation remained “not opposed to regulation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended population health targets, while accepting the variety of privileges and responsibilities on businesses, users and involved parties,” the spokesperson stated, noting that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illegal commerce”.

Zambia’s department of business, commercial affairs and industrial development was contacted for response.