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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “utter hypocrisy” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists dispatched by the company’s subsidiary 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 modifications of a draft bill that include reductions in the proposed size of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions for any firms breaking the new laws.

Anti-tobacco campaigner response

“Were I in government, I would say that they allow the safeguarding of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” stated Master Chimbala.

More than 7,000 Zambians a year pass away from tobacco-related illnesses, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The campaigner stated the letter was understood to have been copied to several government departments and was in circulating through community advocacy networks.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

It comes amid broader worries about industry interference with public health regulations. Recently, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“We see evidence of corporate influence everywhere. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a compromised resolution at the UN high-level meeting,” stated Jorge Alday.

Likely impacts

“When public health regulation doesn't get enacted because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might potentially stop smoking.”

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

Business countermeasures

Through correspondence, BAT suggests this be decreased to 30% or 50% “according to global guideline limits”, deferred for no less than 12 months after the bill passes.

Global health authorities 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”. In the UK, warnings need to encompass sixty-five percent of a product container sides.

Flavor restrictions debate

The company seeks the removal of broad restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, arguing that it would push consumers toward “illegally traded” products. It suggests restricting fewer varieties of “flavours based on desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been prohibited in Britain since 2020.

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

Corporate defense

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch claims the company is dedicated to ethical business practices” and “endorses the aims of governments to lower tobacco use and the related medical consequences” but claims that “specific rules can have undesirable and unforeseen outcomes.”

Activist reaction

Chimbala said BAT’s proposed changes would “dilute these regulations so much that the required influence for it to cause long-term change in society will not be achieved”.

The fact that many such provisions existed in the UK, where the company maintains its main office, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a connected world. Should I grow cigarettes in my garden and collect the yield and sell it out – and my family members avoid tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to enrich myself and all the subsequent offspring while my neighbor's family are perishing … is in itself absolute spiritual bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the United Kingdom or other countries had failed to shutter businesses, the campaigner stated. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. They merely safeguard the people.”

Standard business position

The company representative stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Moreover, the firm contributes in the nation's lawmaking procedures in line with the appropriate structures which provide for stakeholder participation in regulation development.”

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

“We champion developing rules to realize planned community wellbeing objectives, while accepting the variety of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that the company's suggestions “reflect the realities of the Zambian market and cigarette sector, which encompasses increasing amounts of illegal commerce”.

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