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

Zambian lobbying efforts

Correspondence acquired by reporters originating from the corporation's branch in Zambia to the country’s government ministers requests measures restricting tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a proposed legislation that include decreasing the proposed size of pictorial cautions on cigarette packaging, the removal of restrictions on flavoured tobacco products, and reduced sanctions 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,” said the health advocate.

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

Chimbala said the letter was believed to have been distributed to several government departments and was in circulating through civil society groups.

Global industry interference concerns

It comes amid broader worries about business sector influence with medical guidelines. Recently, international health experts issued a warning that the cigarette manufacturers was intensifying efforts to undermine international regulations.

“We see evidence of business advocacy globally. Corporate signatures are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, delayed regulations in Zambia and even a weakened declaration at the UN high-level meeting,” said the tobacco industry watchdog.

Possible outcomes

“When public health regulation fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in lives of people who might potentially stop smoking.”

The anti-smoking legislation progressing through Zambia’s parliament includes measures that exceed UK legislation by extending coverage to e-cigarettes, and mandating that visual health alerts cover seventy-five percent of product packaging.

Company alternative suggestions

In the letter, BAT suggests this be lowered to less than half “following international guideline limits”, deferred for no less than twelve months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least 50% of the product container front “and aim to cover as much of the main visible surfaces as possible”. In the UK, warnings must cover sixty-five percent of a cigarette pack surfaces.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The corporation requests the elimination of comprehensive limitations on flavoured tobacco products, claiming that it would drive users to “black market” products. The corporation recommends banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. Every scented tobacco product have been outlawed across the UK since 2020.

The draft bill suggests penalties for various offences “extending from a portion of yearly revenue to 10 years’ imprisonment”.

Business explanation

In the letter, the corporate leader of the Zambian branch states the firm is “committed to responsible corporate conduct” and “backs the goals of governments to decrease cigarette consumption and the related medical consequences” but maintains that “specific rules can have negative and unanticipated results.”

Critic response

The advocate stated the company's suggested modifications would “undermine this law so much that the impact needed for it to produce permanent improvement in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that many such provisions operated within the UK, where BAT is headquartered, was “utter hypocrisy itself”, he stated.

“We reside in a international community. If I plant tobacco in my back yard and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my neighbour’s children do … to profit individually and all the subsequent offspring while my community's youth are dying … is in itself total emotional bankruptcy.”

Tobacco control legislation in the UK or elsewhere had not caused companies to close, the advocate mentioned. “Laws don't eliminate the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Official corporate statement

The corporate communicator stated: “The company operates its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the company participates in the state's regulatory development in line with the relevant frameworks which allow for relevant group engagement in policymaking.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, they said, adding that underage people should be protected from acquiring smoking products and nicotine.

“We advocate for developing rules to achieve intended public health goals, while acknowledging the spectrum of rights and obligations on industry, consumers and related stakeholders,” the representative explained, mentioning that the company's suggestions “represent the situation of the African nation's economy and smoking product business, which includes growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was approached for comment.