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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

Correspondence acquired by reporters sent from the company’s subsidiary in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for plans to ban tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be scrapped or postponed.

The corporation is pursuing modifications of a draft bill that include lowering the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavored smoking items, and diminished punishments for any businesses disregarding the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“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,” stated the health advocate.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was believed to have been distributed to multiple official agencies and was in circulation among civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

The situation emerges alongside wider concerns about corporate intervention with medical guidelines. In recent weeks, international health experts raised concerns that the tobacco industry was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy worldwide. Tobacco company fingerprints are on postponed duty hikes in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN summit conference,” said Jorge Alday.

Potential consequences

“Should anti-smoking legislation fails to be approved because of this letter, the price could be paid in human lives who might possibly give up cigarettes.”

The tobacco control bill progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and stipulating that graphic health warnings cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

Via documentation, BAT suggests this be decreased to less than half “following international suggested parameters”, delayed for at least twelve months after the law is enacted.

Global health authorities in fact recommends a warning should cover at least half of the product container front “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover 65% of a packet’s front and back.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes restricting fewer varieties of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Each flavored smoking item have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The proposed legislation recommends punishments for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to a decade in prison”.

Company justification

In the letter, the company executive of the African subsidiary claims the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but claims that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Critic response

Chimbala said the company's suggested modifications would “dilute these regulations so much that the necessary effect for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that numerous similar measures existed in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. Should I grow cigarettes in my property and harvest that and distribute the goods – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to benefit personally and all the future family lines while my neighbour’s children are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had not resulted in corporate closures, Chimbala said. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. It only protects the people.”

Standard business position

The corporate communicator commented: “BAT Zambia conducts its business in compliance with relevant national regulations. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the suitable systems which provide for stakeholder participation in policymaking.”

The company was “not against rules”, they said, noting that underage people should be shielded from access to tobacco and nicotine.

“We advocate for evolving legislation to realize planned population health targets, while accepting the variety of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which includes increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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