🔗 Share this article

The tobacco company stands accused of “total contradiction” for campaigning against tobacco control measures in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the nation's political leaders asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The company is attempting amendments to a pending law that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the withdrawal of controls on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Health advocate reaction

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated the health advocate.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year die from smoking-associated diseases, according to global health agency statistics.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to various ministerial offices and was in circulation among civil society groups.

International corporate influence worries

It comes amid expanded apprehension about corporate intervention with health policies. In recent weeks, WHO officials issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was escalating campaigns to weaken global control measures.

“There is proof of corporate influence globally. Manufacturer hallmarks are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, halted laws in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN high-level meeting,” commented Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“Should anti-smoking legislation isn’t passed because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives 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 graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Corporate counter-proposals

In the letter, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “according to global guideline limits”, postponed for minimum twelve months after the bill passes.

International experts actually suggests a alert needs to encompass at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and aim to cover as much of the primary showing sections as possible”. Within Britain, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

BAT asks for the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would lead smokers to “black market” products. It suggests prohibiting a smaller list of “tastes inspired by desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the company executive of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to ethical business practices” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “certain measures can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The reality that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my back yard and harvest that and sell it out – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the generations of my children while my community's youth are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Public health laws in the Britain or other nations had not resulted in corporate closures, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative said: “The company operates its activities following with applicable local laws. Moreover, the company participates in the country’s legislative process in line with the relevant frameworks which enable relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The firm positioned itself as “not against rules”, they said, adding that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We champion progressive regulation to accomplish desired public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on businesses, users and involved parties,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which involves rising levels of illicit trade”.

The nation's ministry of trade, commerce and industry was contacted for response.