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Pressure is mounting on President Hakainde Hichilema to present the long-awaited Tobacco Control Bill of 2025 to Parliament, with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) warning against bowing to resistance from the tobacco industry.
In an open letter dated August 19, 2025, the CSOs called on the Head of State to resist what they described as industry tactics aimed at delaying or derailing the Bill.
They noted that tobacco companies continued to argue that the proposed legislation would trigger job losses, revenue declines, and an increase in illicit trade.
The organisations dismissed these assertions as “unfounded,” describing them as part of the industry’s long-standing strategy to intimidate policymakers and weaken regulations.
“If these attempts succeed, they will not only undermine Zambia’s ability to safeguard the health of its citizens but also weaken our binding commitments under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC),” the statement read.
The CSOs accused the tobacco industry of exploiting technical loopholes, spreading misinformation, and lobbying decision-makers to protect profits at the expense of human life.
They warned that every delay in enacting the Bill leaves more Zambians—particularly children and young people—exposed to aggressive marketing, addiction, and preventable health risks.
They also stressed that passing the Tobacco Control Bill 2025 would strengthen public health protection and save thousands of lives by reducing tobacco-related illnesses and premature deaths.
The organisations further appealed to the President to shield young people from deceptive advertising and promotions, arguing that strong legislation would reduce the long-term financial burden on the healthcare system while upholding Zambia’s global commitments to sustainable development and public health.
“Your Excellency, the people of Zambia look to your office for protection from the undue influence of industries,” the letter stated.
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