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By OMBOKI MONAYO
Lusaka, Zambia: Zambia’s Tobacco Control Bill has passed its Third Reading. The National Assembly’s move protects current and future generations from tobacco’s health risks.
The tobacco industry has caused a public health crisis in Zambia. It kills approximately 7,000 people every year. Most deaths come from tobacco-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Cancer Diseases Hospital reports that a significant portion of national cancer cases link directly to tobacco use.
Smoking prevalence stands at 24% among men. This strains the healthcare system unsustainably. The United Nation’s Agency World Health Organization (WHO) had projected an increase of 300,000 smokers by 2025. Without intervention, the “smoke-trapped” demographic will keep growing. Adolescents face particular risks. Many experiment with tobacco as a novelty.
The new legislation bans all advertising and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products. It prohibits sales to minors. It prevents early addiction. It restricts government engagement with the tobacco industry. This aligns with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).
The law also establishes smoke-free public places. It protects people from secondhand smoke. It provides cessation services for those who wish to quit. An important provision creates a dedicated Tobacco Control Fund. This ensures sustainable financing for enforcement and long-term efforts.
According to the Centre for Trade, Policy and Development (CTPD), the milestone follows years of sustained advocacy. Civil society, health experts, policymakers, and the government all pushed for comprehensive tobacco control.
“This achievement reflects years of advocacy,” said the CTPD in a statement. “It includes evidence-based policy engagement and collective efforts from civil society and public health champions.”
CTPD now calls on President Hakainde Hichilema to grant his assent. Assent will give the Bill the force of law.
“As we celebrate this progress, all eyes turn to President Hichilema,” says the trade policy think tank. “Once signed into law, this bill will strengthen Zambia’s response to non-communicable diseases. It will create a healthier future for all.”
The African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) also lauded Zambia. Dr. Gloria Gonese serves as ATCA’s Executive Secretary. She praised “the historic adoption of the Tobacco Control Bill 2025.”
“This landmark achievement represents a decisive step forward for public health,” said Dr. Gonese in a press statement. “Progress in Zambia has long been hindered by the scale of tobacco cultivation. Major multinational tobacco corporations remain deeply entrenched here.”
ATCA works with several non-profit organizations. These include the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the Young Professionals Network, the Zambia Tax Justice Network Africa, and the African Capacity Building Foundation.
Dr. Gonese called the Bill “a powerful tobacco control message.” She said it would reverberate across the continent.
“Zambia’s bold action sends a powerful message across Africa,” Dr. Gonese stated. “Citizens’ health and well-being must always take precedence over tobacco industry profits.”
She termed the measures “a robust and forward-looking framework.” She said it “positions Zambia as a leader in tobacco control on the African continent.”
Dr. Gonese commended the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Health. She praised its “steadfast leadership and clarity of purpose.” She noted that officials championed a law prioritising Zambians’ health despite prolonged pressure from the tobacco industry.
She also praised the Zambian parliament. Lawmakers showed courage and determination.
“We further applaud the Members of Parliament,” read Dr. Gonese’s statement. “They took a courageous decision to stand firmly on the side of public health. Their vote reflects principled leadership. It shows a deep sense of responsibility to the Zambian people. We cannot forget civil society organisations, journalists, and public health advocates. Their tireless efforts kept the bill robust and evidence-based. They ensured alignment with Zambia’s WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligations.”
The tobacco control lobby joins CTPD and other organisations. They urge President Hichilema to assent to the Bill.
“Today’s victory is monumental,” said Dr. Gonese. “However, it is just the beginning of a new chapter.” She added that enhanced vigilance is necessary. The law’s enactment must move successfully to grassroots implementation.
“Effective implementation will require continued commitment,” Dr. Gonese stated. “It needs adequate resources and strong multisectoral coordination. We look up to the President of Zambia to quickly assent to the Bill. This maintains historic momentum.”
“Timely assent will ensure implementation begins without delay,” the Executive Secretary pointed out. “The gains achieved through years of advocacy will not be eroded.”
Dr. Gonese sees the law as an achievement worth emulating across Africa.
“The adoption of this law demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible,” she said. “It is achievable when governments, lawmakers, civil society, and the media stand firm. This milestone renews hope for other tobacco-growing nations across the continent. It shows that even where the industry is deeply entrenched, strong leadership works. Evidence-based advocacy and multisectoral collaboration can overcome long-standing barriers.”
Zambia’s achievement carries significance far beyond its borders. The country is one of Africa’s major tobacco growers.
Dr. Gonese noted that Zambia belongs “to the so-called T5.” The tobacco industry has historically exerted deep economic and political influence there. “The country has long been considered one of the most challenging environments for advancing tobacco control.”
Zambia frequently appears in Africa’s “T5” (Top 5) regions for tobacco production. This status has historically tied its economic narrative to the crop. However, production comes at a steep price.
The 2025 Africa Tobacco Industry Interference Index ranked Zambia worst among 20 surveyed nations. It scored lowest in protecting public health from industry-related interests.
Tobacco supporters highlight the $121 million (ZMW 2.1 billion) production value. Critics increasingly view this as a “false economy.” Official data reveals that tobacco’s contribution to national GDP has plummeted. It fell from 1.56% in 2005 to just 0.30% by 2022. Meanwhile, annual economic losses due to healthcare costs and lost productivity are estimated between ZMW 1.6 billion and ZMW 2.8 billion.
The Tobacco Control Bill of 2025 represents a comprehensive legislative effort. It domesticates the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It safeguards Zambian health.
The Bill introduces strict manufacturing regulations. It mandates plain packaging. It imposes total bans on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. These measures aim to curb the current trajectory of nicotine addiction.
The projected economic impact of this legislation is significant. It will be a major catalyst for positive change in Zambia’s health sector. Studies by the UN and the Ministry of Health suggest that healthcare expenditure for current tobacco-related deaths costs the country up to 1.2% of its GDP.
Successful implementation is expected to save over 40,000 lives in the coming years. It will also reclaim billions in lost economic productivity. Zambia’s focus will shift from a volatile cash crop toward a more sustainable, diversified agricultural model. A healthier workforce will emerge.
The industry warns of job losses and illicit trade. However, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development notes that tobacco farmers’ returns are low. Farmers earn approximately $2.69 per day. This is significantly lower than returns from alternative crops like sugarcane or export horticulture. Transitioning away from tobacco could actually improve rural livelihoods.
The lobby has voiced satisfaction with the Zambian parliament’s emphatic decision. It pledges technical and financial support for tobacco control efforts in Zambia and other African countries.
“Zambia has proven that the narrative can change,” said Dr. Gloria Gonese. “Protecting citizens from tobacco harm is both realistic and within reach. We reaffirm our commitment to support Zambia as it moves toward full implementation of this law. We will stand with every African country striving to advance tobacco control and safeguard public health.”
“This milestone is a victory for Zambia,” she concluded. “It is a victory for Africa and a victory for future generations. A tobacco-free Africa is possible”.
