Zambia youth groups urge Parliament to pass Tobacco Control Bill despite industry pushback

Youth organisations in Zambia on Wednesday urged Parliament to ignore calls from the tobacco industry to withdraw the Tobacco Control Bill and instead proceed with its passage, saying the legislation was needed to protect public health.

The bill, which has passed its First reading in the National Assembly, seeks to strengthen tobacco control, reduce related health risks and support Zambia’s sustainable development goals.

Representatives from the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia, the Young Professionals Network (YPN), and Network member Dr. Victor Lilanda told a media briefing in Lusaka that the bill was critical to safeguarding young people, who they say were targeted by tobacco companies through flavoured products and subtle marketing.

Students from the Information and Communications University, the University of Zambia, Evelyn Hone College, and the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality also backed the appeal.

The groups dismissed industry warnings of job losses and economic harm as misleading, saying evidence showed tobacco farming often left growers in debt.

They cited survey data showing significant levels of tobacco and e-cigarette use among young people and adults.

Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia’s programmes officer, Annie Kapolyo, said tobacco-related diseases cost Zambia billions of Kwacha and contributed to an estimated 7,000 deaths each year.

Young Professionals Network national coordinator, Moses Besa, urged lawmakers to prioritise public health over industry pressure, saying claims that the bill would fuel illicit trade were unfounded.

He warned that young voters might withhold support from MPs who push to withdraw the bill, saying doing so would show disregard for the wellbeing of constituents.

“Choose health over profit. Choose truth over influence. Choose the future over short-term gains,” he said.

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